1

UNIT IV APPLICATIONS OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL

EQUATIONS

PART A

Problem 1 What are the conditions assumed in deriving one dimensional wave
equation?
Solution:
i. The motion takes place entirely in one plane.
ii. We consider only transverse vibrations, the horizontal displacement of
the particles of the string is negligible.
iii. The tension T is constant at all times and at all points of the deflected
string.
iv. Gravitational force is negligible.
v. The effect of friction is negligible.
vi. The string is perfectly flexible.
vii. The slope of the deflection curve at all points and at all instants is so
small that sin can be replaced by , where is the inclination of
the tangents to the deflection curve.

Problem 2 State the suitable solution of the one dimensional heat equation.
Solution:
One dimensional heat equation is
2
2
2
u u
a
t x

=

and the suitable solution is
( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
a p t
u x t A px B px e

= + .

Problem 3 State the wave equation and give the various possible solutions.
Solution:
The wave equation is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The various possible solutions are
1. ( ) ( )( )
1 2 3 4
,
px px pat pat
y x t Ae A e A e A e

= + +
2. ( ) ( ) ( )
5 6 7 8
, cos sin cos sin y x t A px A px A pat A pat = + +
3. ( ) ( )( )
9 10 11 12
, y x t A x A A t A = + +

Problem 4 Write all variable separable solutions of the one dimensional heat equation
2
t xx
u u = .
Solution :
The various possible solutions of one dimensional heat equation are
1. ( ) ( )
2 2
1 2 3
,
px px p t
u x t Ae A e A e

= +
2. ( ) ( )
2 2
4 5 6
, cos sin
p t
u x t A px A px A e

= +



2
3. ( ) ( )
7 8 9
, u x t A x A A = +

Problem 5 A string is stretched and fastened to two points l distance apart. Motion is
started by displacing the string into the form
0
sin
x
y y
l
| |
=
|
\
from which it is released at
time 0 t = . Formulate this problem as a boundary value problem.
Solution :
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
i. y (0, t) = 0
ii. y ( l , t) = 0
iii. ( , 0) 0
y
x
t

iv. ( )
0
, 0 sin
x
y x y
| |
=
|
\
l
.

Problem 6 A rod of length 20 cm whose one end is kept at 30
o
C and the other end is
kept at 70
o
C is maintained so until steady state prevails. Find the steady state
temperature.
Solution:
In the steady state temperature the temperature will be a function of x alone

2
2
0
u
x

( ) u x ax b = +
when 0 x = , ( ) 0 30 u =
when 20 x = , ( ) 20 70 u =
( ) u x ax b = +
( ) 0 0 u a b = +
30 b =
( ) 20 20 30 u a = +
70 20 30 a = +
20 40 a =
2 a =
( ) 2 30 u x a = +

Problem 7 State two dimensional Laplace equation.
Solution :



3
2 2
2 2
0
u u
x y

+ =


Problem 8 Write any two solutions of the Laplace equation 0
xx yy
U U + = involving
exponential terms in x .
Solution :
The correct solutions are
1. ( ) ( ) ( )
1 2 3 4
, cos sin
py py
u x y c px c px c e c e

= + +
2. ( ) ( )( )
5 6 7 8
, cos sin
px px
u x y c py c py c e c e

= + +

Problem 9 A square plate is bounded by the lines 0, 0, 20 x y x = = = and 20 y = . Its
faces are insulated. The temperature along the upper horizontal edge is given by
( ) ( ) , 20 20 , 0 20 u x x x x = < < while the other three edges are kept at
0
0 C . Formulate
the problem to find the steady state temperature in the plate.
Solution :
The two dimensional heat equations is
2 2
2 2
0
u u
x y

+ =

with the boundary conditions
1. ( ) 0, 0, 0 20 u y y = < <
2. ( ) 20, 0, 0 20 u y y = < <
3. ( ) , 0 0, 0 20 u x x = < <
4. ( ) ( ) , 20 20 , 0 20 u x x x x = < <

Problem 10 A string is stretched between two fixed points at a distance 2l apart and the
points of the string are given velocity given by ( ) f x , x being the distance from one end
point. Formulate the problem to find the displacement of the string at any time.
Solution:
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=

with the boundary conditions
1. ( ) 0, 0, y t t =
2. ( ) 2 , 0, y l t t =
3. ( ) ( ) , 0 0 0, 2 y x x l =
4. ( ) ( , 0)
y
x f x
t

Problem 11 A string of length 2l stretched to a constant tensionT , is fastened at both
the ends and hence fixed. The mid point of the string is taken to a height b and then
released from rest in that position. Formulate the problem to find the transverse
vibrations of the string.
Solution :




4
The P.D.E. is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
i. ( ) 0, 0 0 y t V t =
ii. ( ) 2 , 0 0 y t V t = l
iii.
( ) ,0
0 0 2
x
y
x
t
| |
= < <
|

\
l
iv. ( )
( )
, 0
, 0
2
, 2
bx
x
y x
b x
x

< <

< <

l
l
l
l l
l









Equation of OB is
b
y x =
l

Equation of BA is
2l x
y b
l
(
=
(

.

Problem 12 What are the assumptions made before deriving the one dimensional heat
equation?
Solution :
(i) Heat flows from a higher to lower temperature.
(ii) The amount of heat required to produce a given temperature change in a body is
proportional to the mass of the body and to the temperature change.
(iii) The rate at which heat flows through an area is proportional to the area and to
the temperature gradient normal to the area.

Problem 13 Classify the equations.
i.
4 3
2
xx yy y
u y u y u = .
ii.
( )
2 2
1 0
xx yy
x f y f + = , 1 1 y < < , x < <
Solution :
(i).
4 3
2
xx yy y
u y u y u =
1 A = , 0 B = ,
4
C y =
( )
2 4
4 0 4 1 B AC y =
Y
B

b X
o ( ) , l b A( ) 2 , 0 l



5
4
4 0 y V y = >
The equation is hyperbolic equation.
(ii).
( )
2 2
1 0
xx yy
x f y f + =
2
A x = , 0 B = ,
2
1 C y =
( )
2 2 2
4 0 4 1 B AC x y =
( )
2 2
4 1 x y =
Since
2 2
1 1, 1 4 0 y y B AC < > < <
The equation is elliptic for 0 x
If 0 x = , the equation is parabolic.

Problem 14 Find the nature of the PDE
i. 4 4 2 0
xx xy yy x y
u u u u u + + + = .
ii.
( )
2 2
2 1 2 0
xx xy yy x
x u xyu y u u + + + = .
Solution :
(i) A = 4, B = 4, C = 1
( ) ( ) ( )
2
2
4 4 4 4 1 0 B AC = =
the equation is parabolic.
(ii) A = x
2
B = 2xy C = (1 + y
2
)
( )
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2
4 4 4 1
4 4 4
4 0
B AC x y x y
x y x x y
x V x
= +
=
= <

The equation is elliptic.

Problem 15 Classify the following P.D.Es
i.
2 2
2 2
u u
x y

=


ii.
2
u u u
xy
x y x y
| | | |
= +
| |

\
\

Solution :

(i). A = 1, B = 0, C = -1
( )( )
2
4 0 4 1 1 4 0 B AC = = >
The equation is hyperbolic.
(ii) A = 0, B = 1, C = 0
( ) ( )( )
2
4 1 4 0 0 1 0 B AC = = >
The equation is hyperbolic.






6
PART B

One dimensional wave equation

Problem 16 A tightly stretched string of length l has its ends fastened at 0 x = and
x l = . The mid point of the string is then taken to a height b and then released from
rest in that position. Obtain an expression for the displacement of the string at any
subsequent time.
Solution :
Equation of AC is
0 0
0
0
2
x y
l
b

=

2
, 0
2
bx l
y x
l
= < <
Equation of BC is
2
0
2
l
x
y b
l
b
l

( )
2
,
2
b l
y l x x l
l
= < <
( )
( )
2
, 0
2
, 0
2
,
2
bx l
x
l
y x
b l
l x x l
l

< <

< <

Wave equation is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
i. ( ) 0, 0 0 y t V t = >
ii. ( ) , 0 0 y l t V t = >
iii. ( ) ( ) , 0 0 0,
y
x V x l
t

iv. ( )
( )
2
, 0
2
, 0
2
,
2
bx l
x
l
y x
b l
l x x l
l

< <

< <

Suitable solution is
( ) ( ) ( ) , cos sin cos sin y x t A px B px C pat D pat = + + - (1)
Apply (i) in (1)
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 0, 1 0 cos sin 0
0
y t A B C pat D pat
A
= + + =
=

Equation (1) becomes



7
( ) ( ) , sin cos sin y x t B px C pat D pat = + - (2)
Apply (ii) in (2)
( ) ( ) , sin cos sin 0
sin 0
y l t B pl C pat D pat
pl
pl n
n
p
l

= + =
=
=
=

Thus (2) becomes
( ) , sin cos sin
n x n at n at
y x t B C D
l l l
| | (
= +
|
(
\
- (3)
( ) ,
sin sin cos
y x t
n x n at n a n at n a
B C D
t l l l l l

( | | | | | |
= +
| | | (

\ \ \
- (4)
Apply (iii) in (4)
( ) ( ) , 0 .sin sin 0 cos 0 0
sin 0
0
y n x Cn a Dn a
x B
t l l l
n x n a
B D
l l
D


| | (
= + =
|
(

\
(
=
(

=

How (3) becomes
( ) , sin cos
n x n at
y x t B C
l l
| |
=
|
\

Most general solution is
( )
1
, sin cos
n
n
n x n at
y x t b
l l

=
=

-(4)
Apply (iv) to equation (4)
( )
1
, 0 sin
n
n
n x
y x b
l

=
=

But condition (iv) implies
( )
( )
2
0
2
, 0
2
2
b l
x x
l
y x
b l
l x x l
l

< <

< <

This can be expended as a half range sine series
i.e. ( ) , 0 sin
n
n x
y x c
l

where ( )
0
2
, 0 .sin
l
n
n x
C y x dx
l l

=





8
( )
2
0
2
2 2 2
sin sin
l
l
l
bx n x b n x
dx l x dx
l l l l l

(
| | | | (
= +
| |
(
\ \
(



2
2
2 2
2
0
0
cos
sin
2 2
1
l
l
n x
n x
b l
l
x
n
n l l
l
l

(
| | | | | | | |
(

| | |
|
(
\
| | = |
(
| |
|
(
|
| |
( \
\ \


( ) ( )
2 2
2
2
cos
sin
2
1
l
l
n x
n x
b l
l
l x
n
n l
l
l

( | | | | | |

| ( |
|
\
( | + |
( |
|
|
|
(
\
\

2 2
2 2
2 2
cos 0 sin 0
2 2
b l n l
n
l l n n

( | |
= +
( |
\
( )
2 2
2 2
2
0 0 cos sin
2 2 2
b l n l n
l n n


( | |
+
( |
\

2
2 2
2 2 2
sin
2
b l n
l l n

( | |
| |
=
( | |
\
\

2 2
8
sin
2
b n
n

=
But
n n
b c =
( )
2 2
1
8
, sin sin cos
2
n
b n n x n at
y x t
n l l

=
| |
=
|
\

.

Problem 17 A tightly stretched flexible string has its ends fixed at x = 0 and x = l. At
time t = 0, the string is given a shape defined by f(x) = kx
2
(l x), where k is a
constant, and then released from rest. Find the displacement of any point x of the string
at any time t > 0
Solution:
Equation of Motion is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


Boundary conditions are
(i) ( ) 0, 0, y t V t =
(ii) ( ) , 0, y l t V t =
(iii) ( ) , 0 0, 0
y
x x l
t

= < <

(iv) ( ) ( )
2
, 0 , 0 y x kx l x x l = < <



9
The suitable solution is
( ) ( ) ( ) , cos sin cos sin y x t A px B px C pat D pat = + +
As in the previous problem, using conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) we get the most
general solution as ( )
1
, sin cos
n
n
n x n at
y x t b
l l

=
| | | |
=
| |
\ \

( ) ( )
2
1
, 0 sin
n
n
n x
y x b kx l x
l

=
| |
= =
|
\

by (iv)
Now ( ) , 0 y x can be expressed as a half range sine series
( ) , 0 sin
n
n x
y x c
l
| |
=
|
\

Where ( )
2
0
2
sin
l
n
n x
C kx l x dx
l l

( )
2 3
0
2
sin
l
k n x
lx x dx
l l
| |
=
|
\

. This
n n
b c =
Now
( )
2 3
0
sin
l
n x
lx x dx
l
| |

|
\

( ) ( )
( ) ( )
2 3 2
2 2
2
3 3 4 4
3 4
0
cos sin
2 3
cos sin
2 6 6
n x n x
l l
lx x lx x
n
n
l
l
n x n x
l l
l x
n n
l l

| | | | | | | |

| | | |
\ \
| | =
| |
| |

\ \
( | | | | | | | |
| | ( | |
\ \
( | | +
( | |
| |
(
\ \
l

( )
4 4
3 3 3 3
4
4
3 3 3 3
4 2
0 0 cos 0 0 0
4 1
2
n
l l
n
n n
l
l
n n

( | | | |
= + + + +
( | |
\ \

=

( )
( )
( )
4
3 3
3
3 3
2 2
2 1 1
4
1 2 1
n
n
n
k l
C
l n
kl
n

(
= +
(

(
= +


( ) ( )
3
3 3
1
4
, 1 2 1 sin cos
n
n
kl n x n at
y x t
n l l

=
| | | |
(
= +
| |

\ \

.



10
Problem 18 If a string of length l is initially at rest in its equilibrium position and each
of its points is given the velocity
( )
3
0
, 0
sin
y x x
v
t l

| |
=
|

\
, 0 x l < < . Determine the
displacement function ( ) , y x t .
Solution:
The wave equation is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
(i) ( ) 0, 0 0 y t V t = >
(ii) ( ) , 0 0 y l t V t = >
(iii) ( ) ( ) , 0 0 0, y x V x l =
(iv) ( ) ( )
3
0
, 0 sin 0,
y x
x v V x l
t l

=

The suitable solution is
( ) ( ) ( )
1 2 3 4
, cos sin cos sin y x t C px C px C pat C pat = + +
Condition (i) ( )
1
0, 0 0 y t C = =
The solution is ( ) ( )
2 3 4
, sin cos sin y x t C px C pat C pat = +
Condition (ii) ( ) ( )
2 3 4
, 0 sin cos sin 0 y l t C pl C pat C pat = + =

pl n
n
p
l

=
=

The solution is
( )
2 3 4
, sin cos sin
n x n at n at
y x t C C C
l l l
| |
= +
|
\

Condition (iii) ( ) , 0 y x l = implies
( ) ( )
2 3 3
, sin 0 0
n x
y x l C C C
l

= = =
( )
2 4
, sin sin
n x n at
y x t C C
l l

=
Most general solution is ( )
1
, sin sin
n
n
n x n at
y x t C
l l

=
=

( )
( )
1
1
1
, sin cos
, 0 sin
sin
n
n
n
n
n
n
y n x n at n a
x t C
t l l l
y n x n a
x C
t l l
n a n x
C
l l

=
| |
=
|

\
| |
=
|

\
=

11
But condition (iv) gives ( )
3 0
0
3
, 0 sin 3sin sin
4
v y x x x
x v
t l l l
| | (
= =
|
(

\

1 2 3
2 2 3 3
sin sin sin .....
a x a x a x
C C C
l l l l l l

+ + +

0 0
3 3
sin sin
4 4
v v x x
l l

=
0 0
1 1
3 3
4 4
v v a l
C C
l a

= =
0
2 3
3
0,
4
v a
C C
l

= = =
0
3
12
v l
C
a

=
remaining C
n
s are zero
( )
1 3
3 3 3
, sin sin sin sin
a x at a x at
y x t C C
l l l l l l

= +
( )
0 0
3 3 3
, sin sin sin sin
4 12
v l v l x at x at
y x t
a l l a l l


=

Problem 19 A string is stretched between two fixed points at a distance of 60 cm and
points of the string are given initial velocities v, where
30
x
v
| |
=
|
\
in 0 30 x < <
( ) 60
30
x
| |
=
|
\
in 30 60 x < < , x being the distance from an end point.
Find the displacement of the string at any time.
Solution:

The equation of motion is

2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
(i) ( ) 0, 0 0 y t V t = >
(ii) ( ) 60, 0 0 y t V t = >
(iii) ( ) , 0 0 0 60 y x x =
(iv) ( )
( )
, 0 30
30
, 0
60 , 30 60
30
x
x
y
x v
t
x x

< <

= =

< <

The suitable solution is
( ) ( )( ) , cos sin cos sin y x t A px B px p at D pat = + +



12
As in previous problem, Using the boundary conditions (i), (ii) & (iii), we get the
most general solution as
( )
( )
1
1
, sin sin
60 60
, sin cos
60 60 60
n
n
n
n
n x n at
y x t C
y n x n at n a
x t C
t

=
=

By Condition (iv)
( )
( )
1
, 0 30
30
, 0 sin
60 60
60 , 30 60
30
n
n
x
x
y n a n x
x C
x t
x x

< <

= =

< <

This can be expanded as a half range sine series
1
sin
60
n
n
n x
v b

=
| |
=
|
\

Where
60
0
2
sin
60 60
n
n x
b v dx
| |
=
|
\

Then
60
60
n n
n
n
n a
b C
b
C
n a

=
=

Now,
( )
( ) ( )
30 60
0 30
30
2 2
2
0
2 2
1
sin 60 sin
30 30 60 30 60
cos sin
1
60 60
30 30
60
60
cos sin
60 60
60 1
60
60
n
x n x n x
b dx x dx
n x n x
x
n
n
n x n x
x
n
n

(
= +
(

( | |
| |

( |
|

= + ( |
|

( |
|
|
(
\ \

| |
| |

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
\
\

60
30

(

(
`
(

(

)

( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
1800 3600
cos sin 0 0 0 0
900 2 2
1800 3600
cos sin
2 2
n n
n n
n n
n n




| |
= + +
|
\
( | |

|(
\

2 2
7200
sin
900 2
n
n

(
=
(


2 2
8
sin
2
n
n

=



13

2 2
3 3
3 3
60 8 sin
60
2
.
480
sin
2
0 is even
480
sin is odd
2
n
n
n
b
C
n a n n a
n
n a
if n
n
if n
n a

= =
| |
=
|
\

( )
3 3
1,3,5
480 1
, sin .sin sin
2 60 60
n
n n x n at
y n t
a n

=
=




Problem 20 The points of trisection of a tightly stretched string of length l with fixed
ends are pulled aside through a distance d on opposite sides of the position of
equilibrium, and the string is released from rest. Obtain an expression for the
displacement of the string at any subsequent time and show that the mid point of the
string always remains at rest.
Solution:
D ,
3
l
h
| |
|
\













Let B and C be the point of trisection of the string OA. The initial position of the
string is shown by the lines ODEA.
Let BD = CE = h
The equation of motion is
2 2
2
2 2
y y
a
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
(i) ( ) 0, 0 0 y t V t =
(ii) ( ) , 0 0 y l t V t =
Y
h C
2
, 0
3
l | |
|
\

A ( ) , 0 l X
B , 0
3
l | |
|
\
h
E
2
,
3
l
h
| |
|
\




14
(iii) ( ) ( ) , 0 0 0,
y
x V x l
t

Let us find the initial position of the string
Equation of OD is
3hx
y
l
=
Equation of DE is ( )
3
2
h
y x
l
= l
Equation of EA is ( )
3h
y x l
l
=
( ) ( ) ( )
( )
3
, 0
3
3 2
, 0 2 ,
3 3
3 2
,
3
hx l
x
l
h l l
iv y x l x x
l
h l
x l x l
l

As in problem (1) using the boundary condition (i) (ii) & (iii) we get he most
general solution
( )
( )
1
1
, sin cos
, 0 sin
n
n
n
n
n x n at
y x t B
l l
n x
y x B
l

=
=
=

Condition (iv) gives
( ) ( )
( )
3
, 0
3
3 2
, 0 2 ,
3 3
3 2
,
3
hx l
x
l
h l l
y x l x x
l
h l
x l x l
l

Now y (x, 0) can expended as a half range sine series ( )
1
, 0 sin
n
n
n x
y x C
l

=
=

Where ( )
0
2
, 0 sin
l
n
n x
C y x dx
l l

=


Then
n n
B C =
Now,
( ) ( )
2
3 3
2 0
3 3
2 3 3 3
sin 2 sin sin
l l
l
n
l
hx n x h n x h n x
C dx l x dx x l dx
l l l l l l l

(
(
= + +
(
(


l




15
( )
( ) ( )
( )
3
2 2 2
2
0
2
3
2 2 2
2
3
2
cos sin
6
1
cos
sin
6
2 2
cos
6
l
l
l
n x n x
h l l
x
n x
n l
l
l
n x
n x
h l
l
l x
n
n l
l
l
n x
h l
x l
n
l
l

( | | | | | | | |

| | ( | |
\ \
( | | =
( | |
| |
(
\ \
( | | | | | |

| ( |
|
\
( | + |
( |
|
|
|
(
\
\
| | |

|
\
+

\
( )
2 2
2
2
3
sin
1
l
l
n x
l
n
l

( |
| |

( |
|
( | |
( |
|
|
|
(
\


( )
( )
2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2
6
cos sin 0 0
3 3 3
6 2 2 2 2
cos sin cos sin
3 3 3 3 3 3
6 2 2
0 0 cos sin
3 3 3
h l n l n
l n n
h l n l n l n l n
l n n n n
h l n l n
l n n






(
= + +
(

( | | | |
+
( | |
\ \
( | |
+ + +
( |
\

2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2 2
6 2 2
sin sin sin sin
3 3 3 3
6 2
sin sin cos cos sin
3 3 3
2
sin sin cos cos sin
3 3 3
h l n l n l n l n
n n
l n n n n
h l n l n n
n n
l n n
l n l
n n n n
n n









(
| | | |
= +
| | (
\ \

| |
=
|
\

(
| |
+
|(
\

( ) ( )
( ) ( )
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2
6 2 2
sin 1 sin sin 1 sin
3 3 3 3
6
sin 2 1 sin 2sin 1 sin
3 3 3 3
n n
n n
h l n l n l n l n
l n n n n
h n n n n
n

(
= + + +
(

(
= + + +
(


( )
( )
2 2
2 2
6
3sin 3 1 sin
3 3
18
sin 1 1
3
n
n
h n n
n
h n
n

(
= +
(

(
= +





16
2 2
0
36
when n is odd
h
when n is even
n

( )
2 2
2,4,6
36 1
, sin sin cos
3
h n n x n at
y x t
n

=

l l

( )
( )
2 2
1
36 1 2 2 2
, sin sin cos
3
2 n
h n n x n at
y x t
n

=
=

l l

2 2
1
9 1 2 2 2
sin sin cos
3
n
h n n x n at
n

=
| |
=
|
\

l l

2 2
1
2
9 1 2 2
2
, sin sin cos 0
2 3
n
n
h n n at
y t
n

=
| |

|
| | | |
= =
| | |
\ \
|
\

l
l
l l

mid point is maximum at rest.

One dimensional heat equation

Problem 21 A uniform bar of length l through which heat flows is insulated at its sides.
The ends are kept at zero temperature. If the initial temperature at the interior points of
the bar is given by
( )
2
k lx x , 0 x l < < , find the temperature distribution in the bar after
time t .
Solution:
The one dimensional heat equation is
2
2
2
u u
t x

=


The boundary conditions are
( )
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
2
( ) 0, 0 0
( ) , 0 0 and the imital condition is
( ) , 0 0 , where , 0
i u t V t
ii u l t V t
iii u x f x x l f x K lx x x l
=
=
= < < = < <

The suitable solution is ( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
p t
u x t A px B px e

= +
Condition
2 2
( ) 0
0
p t
i Ae V t
A

=
=

solution is
( )
2 2
2
2
, sin
n
t
l
n x
u x t B e
l

=
Condition

2 2
( ) sin 0
p t
ii B ple V t

=



17
n
pl n p
l

= =
solution is ( )
2 2
2
2
, sin
n
t
l
n x
u x t B e
l

=
Most general solution is

( )
( )
2 2 2
2
1
1
1
, sin
, 0 sin
n t
l
n
n
n
n
n x
u x t B e
l
n x
u x B
l

=
=
=

But condition ( ) ( ) ( )
2
, 0 iii u x k lx x = which can be expanded as a half range sine
series as
( ) ( )
1
0
2
, 0 sin where , 0 sin
l
n n
n
n x n x
u x C C u x dx
l l l

=
= =

Now

( )
2
0
2
sin
l
n n
n x
B C K lx x dx
l l

= =

( )
2
0
2
sin
l
n x k
lx x dx
l l

=

( ) ( ) ( )
2
2 2 3 3
2 3
0
cos sin cos
2
2 2
l
n x n x n x
k
l l l
lx x l x
n
n n l
l
l l

( | | | |
| |

( | |
|
= + ( | |
|
( | |
|
| |
(
\
\ \

3 3
3 3 3 3
2 2 2
0 0 cos 0 0
k l l
l n n

( | | | |
= + +
( | |
\ \

( )
2
3 3
4
1 1
n kl
n
(
=


2
3 3
8
where is odd
0 where is even
kl
n
n
n

( )
2 2 2
2
1
2
3 3
1,3,5
8
, sin
n t
l
n
kl n x
u x t e
n l

=
=


( )
( )
( )
2 2 2
2
2 1
2
3 3
1
2 1 8 1
sin
2 1
n t
l
n
n x kl
e
l
n

18
Problem 22 A rod, 30 cm long has its ends A and B kept at
0
20 C and
0
80 C
respectively, until steady state conditions prevail. The temperature at each end is reduced
to
0
0 C suddenly and kept so. Find the resulting temperature function ( ) , u x t .
Solution:
The equation is
2
2
2
u u
t x

=


In steady- state conditions, the temperature at any particular point does not varies
with time. This any particular point does not very with time. This means that u depends
only on x and not on time
The P.D.E. recluses to
2
2
0
u
u ax b
x

= = +

The initial conditions is steady state and
u (0, t) = 20 and
u (30, t) = 80
Sine in steady state u is independent of time
( ) ( ) 0 20& 30 80 u u = =
we get a = 2, b = 20
i.e. u (x) = 2x + 20
When the temperature at A and B are reduced to zero, the temperature distribution
changes. For this transiat state the boundary conditions are
( )
( )
( ) 0, 0 0
( ) , 0 0
i u t V t
ii u l t V t
=
=

and the initial temperature distribution is
( ) ( ) , 0 2 20 0 30 iii u x x x = +
Now we have to find u (x, t) satisfying the conditions (i), (ii) & (iii)
The suitable solution is
( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
p t
u x t A px B px e

= +
Using (i) we get A = 0
solution is ( )
2 2
, sin
p t
u x t B px e

=
Using (ii) get
30
n
P

=
( )
2 2
2
900
, sin
30
n t
n x
u x t B e

=
The most general solution is
( )
2 2
2
900
, sin
30
n t
n
n x
u x t B e

=


( )
sin
, 0
30
n
n x
u x B

=

But condition (iv) gives u (x, 0) =2x +20 which can be expended as a half range
Fourier sine series.



19
( ) ( )
1
0
sin 2
, 0 , , 0 sin
30
l
n n
n
n x n x
u x C whereC u x dx
l l

=
= =

Then ( )
30
0
2
2 20 sin
30 30
n n
n x
B C x dx

= = +

( ) ( )
( )
30
0
cos sin
1
30 30
2 20 2
15
30 900
40
1 4 1
n
n x n x
x
n n
n

( | | | |

( | |
= +
( | |
( | |
| |
(
\ \
(
=


( ) ( )
( )
2 2
2
900
1
40
, 1 4 1 sin .
30
n
t
n
n
n x
u x t e
n

=
=

Problem 23 The temperature at one end of a bar 20 cm long and with insulated sides is
kept at
0
0 C until steady state conditions prevail. The two ends are then suddenly
insulated, so that the temperature gradient is zero at each end there after. Find the
temperature distribution in the bar.
Solution:
When steady state conditions prevail, the temperature boundary conditions for
steady state are
u (0) = 0, u (20) = 60
Solution is u (x) = ax + b
(0) 0
0
u a b
b
= +
=

( )
( )
(20) 60
60 20
20 0
3
0 3
u
a b
a
a
u x Bx x
=
= +
= +
=
= = =

Since the ends are insulated after the steady state is attended, the heat flow is transient
and the sub sequent temperature distribution is given by

2
2
2
u u
t x

=


The corresponding boundary conditions are
( ) ( ) 0, 0 0
u
i t V t
x

( )
( ) 20, 0 0
u
ii t V t
x

20
( ) ( ) , 0 3 0 20 iii u x x x = < <
The suitable solution is
( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
p t
u x t A px B px e

= +
( ) ( )
2 2
, sin cos
p t
u
x t A pxp Bp px e
x

= +

Condition (1) gives

( ) 2 2 0,
0 0
p t
u t
Bpe
x

= = =

Either B = 0 or P = 0
If P = 0, u (x, t) = A which is absurd
B = 0
Solution is

( )
( )
2 2
2 2
, cos
, sin
p t
p t
u x t A pxe
u
x t Ap pxe
x

Condition (ii) gives
( ) 2 2 20,
0 sin 20
p t
u t
Ap pxe
x

= =

either A = 0 or sin 20p = 0
A = 0 gives trivial solution
sin 20 0 20
20
p p n
n
p

= =
=

The solution is
( )
2 2 2
400
0
, cos
20
n t
n
n
n x
u x t A e

=
=


(iii) Condition ( )
0
, 0 cos 3
20
n
n
n x
u x A x

=
= =

u (x, 0) = 32 can be expanded as a half range cosine series
( )
0
0
, 0 cos
2 20
n
n
a n x
u x A

=
= +

Where
( )
0
2
, 0 cos
20
l
n
n x
a u x dx
l

=


Then

20
0
2
3 cos
20 20
n
n x
a x dx

=





21
( )
20
2 2
0
sin cos
3
20 20
1
10
20
400
n x n x
x
n
n

( | |
| |

( |
|
= ( |
|
( |
|
|
(
\
\

2 2 2 2
3 400 400 400
sin cos 0
10
nx n
n n n

( | | | |
= + +
| | (
\ \

( )
2 2 2 2
3 400 400
1
10
n
n n
(
=
(


( )
2 2
120
1 1
n
n
(
=


2 2
240
0
if n is odd
n
if n is even

Now
0
0
2
a
A =
[ ]
20
20 2
0
0 0
0
2 1 3
3
20 10 2
3
400 0 60
10
60
30
2
x
a xdx
A
(
= =
(

= =
= =

( )
2 2 2
400
0
1
, cos
20
n t
n
n
n x
u x t A A e

=
= +

( )
2 2 2
400
2 2 2
1,3,5
2 1
1 240
30 cos
20
n t
n
n x
e
n n

=


( )
( )
( )
2 2 2
2 1
400
2 2
1
2 1
240 1
30 cos
20
2 1
n t
n
n x
e

Problem 24 A bar, 10 cm long with insulated sides, has its ends A and B kept at
0
20 C
and
0
80 C respectively, until steady state conditions prevail. The temperature at A is
then suddenly raised to
0
50 C and at the same time that at B is lowered to
0
10 C . Find
the subsequent temperature function ( ) , u x t at any time.

Solution:
The P.D.E. is
2
2
2
u u
t x

=


In steady state



22

2
2
0
u
x
u ax b

= +

The boundary conditions for steady state is
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
0 20 20 0 20
10 40 40 10 20 2
u a b b
u a a
= = + =
= = + =

When the temperatures at A and B are changed, the state is no longer steady. The
boundary conditions are
( )
( )
( )
0, 50 0
0, 40 0 and the initial conditions is
, 0 2 20 0 10
u t V t
u t V t
u x x x
= >
= >
= + < <

Since we have non-zero boundary conditions ,we adopt a modified procedure
We break up the required solution u (x, t) in to two parts as ( ) ( ) ( ) , ,
s t
u x t u x u x t = +
Where ( )
s
u x is called the steady state solution and ( ) ,
t
u x t is called the transient.
Solution ( )
s
u x is given by
2
2
0
s
u
x

u
s
(0) = 50 and have
u
s
(10) = 10
Solving u
s
(x) = 50 4x
Consequently,

( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
0, 0, 0 50 50 0
10, 10, 10 10 10 0
, 0 , 0 2 20 50 4
6 30
t s
t s
t s
u t u t u
u t u t u
and u x u x u x x x
x
= = =
= = =
= + = +
=

Now we have to set ( ) ,
t
u n t in such a way that ( ) ,
t
u x t satisfies
2
2
2
u u
t x

=

with the
boundary conditions
( )
( )
( )
( ) 0, 0
( ) 10, 0
( ) , 0 6 30
t
t
t
i u t
ii u t
iii u x x
=
=
=

The suitable solution is ( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
p t
t
u x t A px B px e

= +
Condition (i) gives
2 2
0
0
p
Ae t
A

=
=

solution is ( )
2 2 2
2
10
, sin
10
n t
t
n x
u x t B e

=
Most general solution is



23
( )
2 2 2
2
10
1
, sin
10
n t
t n
n
n x
u x t B e

=
=


(iii) condition gives ( )
1
, 0 6 30 sin
10
t n
n
n x
u x x B

=
= =


( ) , 0
t
u x can be expanded in half range sine series
( )
1
, 0 9 30 sin
10
t n
n
n x
u x x C

=
= =

When ( )
0
2
sin
10
l
n
n x
C f x dx
l
| |
=
|
\

Then

( )
( )
( )
10
0
10
2 2
0
2
6 30 sin
10 10
cos sin
1
10 10
6 30 6
5
10
10
1 300 300
cos
5
60
1 1
120
0
n n
n
n x
B C x dx
n x n x
x
n
n
n
n n
n
if n is even
n
if n is odd

| |
= =
|
\
( | |
| |

( |
|
= ( |
|
( |
|
|
(
\
\
(
=
(

(
= +

( )
2 2 2
100
2,4,6
120
, sin
10
n t
t
n
n x
u x t e
n

=


( )
2 2 2
25
1
60 1 2
, sin
10
n t
t
n
n x
u x t e
n

=



Problem 25 An insulated metal rod of length 100 cm has one end A kept at
0
0 C and the
other end B at
0
100 C until steady state conditions prevail. At time 0 t = , the temperature
at B is suddenly reduced to
0
50 C and there after maintained, while at the same time
0 t = , the end A is insulated. Find the temperature at any point of the rod at any
subsequent time.
Solution:
When the steady state conditions prevail, the portial differential equation is
2
2
0
u
x

24
( ) u x ax b = +
With the boundary conditions u (0) = 0, u (100) = 100
( ) u x x =
Once the steady state condition is removed, then the temperature distribution in
the rod is given by
2
2
2
u u
t x

=

and the corresponding boundary conditions are
( )
( )
( )
( ) 0, 0 0
( ) 100, 50 0 and
( ) , 0 0 100
u
i t V t
x
ii u t V t
iii u x x x

= >

= >
= < <

Since the boundary value is non-zero, we adopt the modified procedure.
Let ( ) ( ) ( ) , ,
s t
u x t u x u x t = +
Where ( )
s
u x satisfies
2
2
0
s
u
x

with the boundary conditions

( )
( ) 0
100 50 and 0
s
s
u
u
x

= =

( )
s
u x ax b = +
( ) ( )
( )
( )
0
0
100 100 50
50
50
s s
s
s
u x u
a a
x x
u a b
b
u x

= = =

= + =
=
=

How the boundary conditions for ( ) ,
t
u x t and
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) 0, 0, 0 0 0 0
( ) 100, 100, 100 50 50 0
( ) , 0 , 0
50 0 100
s
t s
t s
u u u
i t t t
x x x
ii u t u t u
iii u x u x u x
x x

= = =

= = =
=
= < <

Suitable solution is
( ) ( )
2 2
, cos sin
n x p t
t
u x t A p B p e

= + - (1)
( )
( )
2 2 ,
sin cos
t p t
u x t
Ap px Bp px e
x

= +

Condition (1) gives
( )
2 2
, 0
0
p t t
u
t Bpe
x
B

=

solution (1)



25
( ) ( )
2 2
, cos
p t
t
u x t A px e

= - (2)
condition (ii) gives
( )
( )
( )
2 2
0 100, cos100
cos100 0
100 odd multiple of 2 1
2 2
2 1
200
p t
t
u t A pxe
px
p n
n
p

= =
=
= =

=

solution is
( )
( )
( )
2 2
2
2
2 1
200
2 1
, cos
200
n
t
t
n x
u x t A e

=
most general solution is
( )
( )
2 1
1
2 1
, cos
200
t n
n
n x
u x t A

=


But ( ) , 0 50
t
u x x = can be expanded on a half range cosine series
( )
( )
2 1
1
2 1
, 0 50 cos
200
t n
n
n x
u x x B

= =

where ( )
( )
100
2 1
0
2 1
2
50 cos
100 200
n
n x
B x dx

( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
100
2
2
0
2 1 2 1
sin cos
1
200 200
50
2 1 2 1 50
200 200
n x n x
x
n n


( | |

( |
( | =

( |
|
(
\

( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2 1
200 200
sin
2 1 2
2 1
200 1 200
2 1
2 1
n
n
n
n x
n
n

( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
1 2
2 2 2
2 2
2
1
200 1 2 1 2 1
200
, cos
2 1 200 200
2 1
n
n
t
n
n x n
u x t e t
n
n

=
(

= (

Hence
( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
2 2 2
2
1 2 1
200
2
1
, ,
1 2 1
200 200
50 cos
2 1 2 1 200
s t
n n
t
n
u x t u t u x t
n x
e
n n

=
= + =
(

= + (

(

26
Two dimensional heat equation

Problem 26 An infinitely long metal plate in the form of an area is enclosed between
the lines 0 y = and y = for positive values of x . The temperature is zero along the
edges 0 y = and y = and the edge at infinity. If the edge 0 x = is kept at temperature
ky , find the steady state temperature distribution in the plate.
Solution:
The steady state temperature u (x, y) at any point (x, y) of the plate is given by the
equation
2 2
2 2
0
u u
x y

+ =

with the following boundary conditions :
i. ( ) , 0 0 0 u x V n = >
ii. ( ) , 0 0 u x V n = >
iii. ( ) , 0 0 u y V y =
iv. ( ) 0, 0 u y ky y =

The three possible solutions of the PDE are
a. ( ) ( )( )
1 2 3 4
, cos sin
px px
u x y C e C e C py C py

= + +
b. ( ) ( )( )
5 6 7 8
, cos sin
py py
u x y C px C px C e C e

= + +
c. ( ) ( )( )
9 10 11 12
, u x y C x C C y C = + +
Consider (b)
( ) ( )( )
5 6 7 8
, cos sin
py py
u x y C px C px C e C e

= + +
by cond (i)
( ) ( ) ( )
5 6 7 8
7 8
, cos sin 0
0 - (1)
u x y C px C px C C
C C
= + + =
+ =

( ) ( )( )
5 6 7 8
, cos sin 0
p p
u x C px C px C e C e

= + + = - (2)
Solving (1) and (2) we get
7 8
0 C C = = which will lead to trivial solution.
is not the correct solution
The suitable solution is
( ) ( )( ) , cos sin
px px
u x y Ae Be C py D py

= + +
Condition (1)
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
, 0 0
0
, sin
px px
px px
u x Ae Be C
C
u x y Ae Be D py

= + =
=
= +

Condition (ii)



27
( ) ( )
, sin 0
sin 0
px px
u x Ae Be D p
p
p n
p n

= + =
=
=
=

Solution is
( ) ( )
, sin
nx nx
u x y Ae Be D ny

= +
Condition (iii)
( ) ( )
, sin 0
0
u y Ae Be D ny
A

= + =
=

Solution is
( ) , sin 0
sin 0
nx
nx
u x y Be D xy
BDe xy

= =
= =

Most general solution is
( )
1
, sin
nx
n
u x y Bne ny

=
=

Condition (iv)
( )
1
0, sin
n
u y ky Bn ny

=
= =

Now ( ) 0, u y ky = can be expended as a half range sine series
( )
1
0, sin
n
n
u y ky C ny

=
= =

Where
0
2
sin
n
C ky nydy

=

. Then sin
n
C =
2
0
2 cos sin
n
k xy ny
C y
n n

( | | | |
=
| | (
\ \

( )
( )
( )
1
1
1
2
1
1
, 2 sin
n
n
n
nx
n
k
C
n
u x y k e ny
n
+
+

=
=

=



Problem 27 A plate is in the form of the semi infinite strip 0 10 x , 0 y , whose
surfaces is insulated. If the temperature at short edge 0 y = is given by

( )
20 , 0 5
20 10 , 5 10
x x
u
x x

=

and all the other three edges are kept at
0
0 C . Find the steady state temperature at any
point of the plate.
Solution:



28
The three possible solutions are
a. ( ) ( )( ) , cos sin
px px
u x y Ae Be C py D py

= + +
b. ( ) ( ) ( )
, cos sin
py py
u x y A px B px Ce De

= + +
c. ( ) ( ) ( ) , u x y Ax B Cy D = + +
The equation is
2 2
2 2
0
u u
x y

+ =

and the boundary conditions are
i. ( ) 0, 0 u y =
ii. ( ) 10, 0 u y =
iii. ( ) , 0 u x =
iv. ( ) ( ) , 0 u x f x =
Consider (a)
( ) ( )( )
( ) ( )( )
, cos sin
0, cos sin 0
0 (1)
px px
u x y Ae Be C py D py
u y A B C py D py
A B

= + +
= + + =
= =

( ) ( )( )
10 10
10 10
10, cos sin 0
0
p p
p p
u y Ae Be C py D py
Ae Be

= + + =
+ =

Solving (1) and (2), we get A = 0, B = 0
Which will give use the trivial solution
(a) is not the correct solution.
Consider (C) ( ) ( ) ( ) , u x y Ax B Cy D = + +
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
0, 0 0
0, 0 10 0 0
u y B Cy D B
u y A Cy D A
= + = =
= + = =

Which will lead a to trivial solution
The suitable solution is (b)
( ) ( ) ( )
, cos sin
py py
u x y A px B px Ce De

= + +
Condition (i)
( ) ( )
0, 0 0
py py
u y A Ce De A

= + = =
Solution is ( ) ( )
, sin
py py
u x y B px Ce De

= +
Condition (ii)
( ) ( )
10, sin10 0
sin10 0
10
py py
u y B p Ce De
n
p p

= + =
= =

solution is ( )
10 10
, sin
10
n y n y
n x
u x y B Ce De

| |
= +
|
\

Condition (iii)



29
( )
10 10
, sin
10
0
n n
n x
u x B Ce De
C

| |
= +
|
\
=

solution is ( )
10
, sin
10
n y
n x
u x y B De

=
Most general solution is
( )
10
1
, sin
10
n x
n
n
n x
u x y B e

=
=

condition (iv) gives

( ) ( )
1
, 0 sin
10
n
n
n x
u x f x C

=
| |
= =
|
\

where
( )
10
0
2
.sin
10 10
n
n x
C f x dx

=


( )
5 10
0 5
1
20 sin 20 10 sin
5 10 10
n x n x
x dx x dx

(
= +
(



( ) ( )
5
2 2
0
10
2 2
5
cos
sin
10
10
4
10
100
cos sin
10 10
4 10 1
10
100
n x
n x
x
n x
n
n x n x
x
n
n

( | | | | | |

| ( |
|
\
( | = |
( |
|
|
|
(
\
\
( | |
| |

( |
|
+ ( |
|
( |
|
|
(
\
\

2 2 2 2
50 100 50 100
4 cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
n n n n
n n n n


(
= + + +
(



( )
2 2
10
2 2
1,3,5
800
sin where n is odd
2
0 where n is even
800 1
, sin sin
2 10
n y
n
n
n n x
u x y e
n

=






30
Problem 28 A square plate of length 20 cm has its faces insulated and its edges are
along 0 x = , 20 x = , 0 y = , 20 y = . If the temperature along the edge 20 x = is given
by
( )
, 0 10
10
20 , 10 20
10
T
y y
u
T
y y
| |

|
\
=

| |

\

while the other three edges are kept at
0
0 C , find the steady state temperature distribution
in the plate.
Solution:
The partial differential equation to be solved is
2 2
2 2
0
u u
x y

+ =


With the boundary conditions
( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
, 0 0 0 20
( ) , 20 0 0 20
( ) 0, 0 0 20
( ) 20, 0 0 20
i u x x
ii u x x
iii u y x
iv u y x
=
=
=
=

since non-zero temperature is prescribed on the edge x = 20, in which y is varying, the
suitable solution is
( ) ( )( ) , cos sin
px px
u x y Ae Be C py D py

= + +
condition (i) gives

( ) ( )
, 20 sin 20 0
20
20
px px
u x Ae Be D p
p n
n
p

= + =
=
=

solution is
( )
20 20
, sin
20
n x n x
n y
u x y Ae Be D

| |
= +
|
\

(iii) condition gives
( ) ( )
( )
20 20
0, sin 0
20
0
, sin
20
n x n x
n y
u y A B D
A B B A
n y
u x y A e e D

= + =
+ = =
| |
=
|
\

Most general solution is
( )
20 20
1
, sin
20
n x n x
n
n y
u x y An e e

=
| |
=
|
\

(iv) condition gives



31
( ) ( )
1
20, sin
20
n n
n
n y
u y An e e

=
| |
=
|
\

But ( )
( )
0 10
10
20,
20 10 20
10
T
y y
u y
T
y y

Which can be expanded in a half range sine series
( )
1
20, sin
20
n
n
n y
u y B

=
| |
=
|
\

where
( )
( )
( ) ( )
20
0
10 20
0 10
10
2 2
0
2 2
2
20, sin
20 20
sin 20 sin
100 20 20
cos sin
20 20
100
20
20
cos sin
20 20
20 1
100
20
20
n y
Bn u y dy
T n y n y
y dy y dy
n y n y
T
y
n
n
n y n y
T
y
n
n

=
(
= +
(

( | |
| |

( |
|
= ( |
|
( |
|
|
|
(
\
\
|
| |

|
+
|
|
|
\
\

20
0
( |
( |
( |
( |
|
(


2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2
200 400 200 400
cos sin cos sin
100 2 2 2 2
8
sin
2
8
sin
2
n
T n n n n
n n n n
T n
n
T n
B
n

( | | | |
= + + +
| | (
\ \
=
=

But
( )
2 2
2 2
2 2
8
sinh sin
2
8
sin
sinh 2
8 1
, sin cos sinh sin
2 20 20
n n
n
T n
A n B
n
T n
A
n n
T n n x n y
u x y hn
n

= =
=
=




Problem 29 Solve the following problem for a rectangle specified below :
0
xx yy
u u + =
1. ( ) 0, 0 u y = ,



32
2. ( ) ( ) , 0 u x f x = ,
3. ( ) , 0 u a y = , 0 y b < < ,
4. ( ) , 0 u x b = , 0 x a < < . Where ( )
3
sin
x
f x
a
| |
=
|
\
.
Solution:
The P.D.E. is
2 2
2
0
u u
x y

+ =


The boundary conditions in
( )
( )
( )
( )
3
( ) 0, 0 0
( ) , 0 0
( ) , 0 0
( ) , 0 sin , 0
i u y y b
ii u a y y b
iii u x b x a
x
iv u x x a
a

= < <
= < <
= < <
= < <

Solving equation (1) we get three types of solutions as given below:
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )( )
( ) ( ) ( )( )
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
, cos sin
, cos sin
,
py py
px px
a u x y c px c px c e c e
b u x y c py c py c e c e
c u x y c x c c y c

= + +
= + +
= + +

Out of these three solutions the correct solution which satisfies our boundary conditions (
as explained in Ex.[1] is
( ) ( )( )
1 2 3 4
, cos sin .....(2)
py py
u x y c px c px c e c e

= + +
Applying condition (i) in (2), we get,
( ) ( )
1 3 4
0, 0
py py
u y c c e c e

= + =
i.e.,
1
0 c = .(3)
Substituting (3) in (2), we get,
( ) ( )
2 3 4
, sin
py py
u x y c px c e c e

= +
Applying condition (ii) in (4), we get,
( ) ( )
2 3 4
, sin 0
py py
u a y c pa c e c e

= + =
Here
2
0 c since if
2
0 c = we get trivial solution.
Hence sin pa=0, i.e., pa n =
(or)
n
p
a

=
Substituting (5) in (4), we get,
( )
2 3 4
, sin .....(6)
n y n y
a a
n x
u x y c c e c e
a

| |
= +
|
\

Applying condition (iii) in (6) we get,



33
( )
2 3 4
, sin 0
n b n b
a a
n x
u x b c c e c e
a

| |
= + =
|
\

Here
2
0 c and sin 0
n x
a

Hence
3 4
0
n b n b
a a
c e c e

+ =
i.e.,
4 3
n b n b
a a
c e c e

=
i.e.,
2
4 3
n b
a
c c e

=
Substituting (7) in (6), we get,
( )
2
3 2
, sin . .....(8)
n y n b n y
a a a
n x
u x y c c e e e
a

| |
=
|
\


2 2
sin .
n y n b n y
a a a
n
n x
c e e e
a

| |
=
|
\

The most general solution can be written as
( )
2 2
1
, sin . .....(9)
n y n y n b
a a a
n
n
n x
u x y c e e e
a

=
| |
=
|
\

Applying condition (iv) in (9), we get,
( )
2
1
, 0 sin 1
n b
a
n
n
n x
u x c e
a

=
| |
=
|
\

3
sin
x
a

=
i.e.,
2
1
1 3
sin 1 3sin sin
4
n b
a
n
n
n x x x
c e
a a a

=
| |
| |
=
| |
\
\

2 4 6
1 2 3
2 3
sin 1 sin 1 sin 1 ...
b b b
a a a
x x x
c e c e c e
a a a

| | | | | |
+ + +
| | |
\ \ \

1 3
3sin sin
4
x x
a a
| |
=
|
\

Equating like coefficient we get,
2
1
3
1
4
b
a
c e

| |
=
|
\

i.e.,
1 2
2
3
, 0
4 1
b
a
c c
e

= =
| |

|
\

6
3
1
1
4
b
a
c e

| |
=
|
\




34
i.e.,
3 4 5
6
1
, 0, 0,....
4 1
b
a
c c c
e

= = =
| |

|
\

Substituting these values of c s in (9), we get
( )
2 2 3 6 6
2 6
3 3 3
, sin sin
4 1 4 1
y y b y y b
a a a a a a
b b
a a
x x
u x y e e e e e e
a a
e e




| | | |
=
| |
| | | |
\ \

| |
\ \


Problem 30 A rectangular plate is bounded by the lines
0 x =
,
x a =
, 0 y = and y b = .
Its surfaces are insulated the temperatures along 0 x = and 0 y = are kept at
0
0 C and the
others at
0
100 C . Find the steady state temperature at any point of the plate.
Solution:
Let ( ) , u x y be the temperature satisfying the equation
( )
2 2
2 2
0 1
u u
x y

+ =


Then the boundary conditions are given by
(i) ( ) 0, 0 u y = for 0 y b <
(ii) ( ) , 0 0 u x = for 0 x a <
(iii) ( ) , 100 u a y = for 0 x b < <
(iv) ( ) , 100 u x b = for 0 x a < <
we split the solutions into two solution
i.e., ( ) ( ) ( )
2
, , , u x y u x y u x y = +
where ( )
1
, 0 u x y = and ( )
2
, u x y are solutions of (1) and furthers ( )
1
, u x y is the
temperature at any point p with the edge BC maintained at 100
o
and the other three edges
at o C
o
. Where ( )
2
, u x y is the temperature at P with the edge AB maintained at 100
o
C
and the other edges at o C
o
.
Therefore the boundary conditions for the function ( )
1
, u x y and ( )
2
, u x y are as follows.
(i) ( )
1
0, 0 u y = , 0 y b
(ii) ( )
1
, 0 0 u x = , 0 x a
(iii) ( )
1
, 0 u a y = , 0 x b
(iv) ( ) , 100 u x b = , 0 x a

(i) ( )
2
0, 0 u y = , 0 y b
(ii) ( )
2
, 0 0 u x = , 0 x a
(iii) ( )
2
, 100 u a y = , 0 x b



35
(iv) ( )
2
, 0 u x b = , 0 x a

clearly both
1
u and
2
u satisfy the equation (1) solving (1) and choosing the suitable
solution we have, ( )
1
, u x y = (A cospx + B sinpx )
( )
py py
ce De

+ ..(2)
using cond (i) in (2) ( )
1
0, u y A =
( )
py py
ce De

+ = 0
= >A= 0
( )
1
, sin u x y B px =
( )
py py
ce De

+ ..(3)
using cond (iii) in (3)
2
( , 0) sin u x B pa =
( )
py py
ce De

+ = 0
=>sin pa = 0
pa = n
p = , 0,1, 2, 3...
n
n
a

= Then (3) = B sin

n
x
a

n n
y y
a a
ce De

| |
+
|
\
.(4)
by apply and (iii) to (4)
( ) ( )
1
, 0 sin 0
n x
u x B c D
a

= + =
0 0 B C D D C + = =
( )
1
, 2 sin
2
n y n y
a a
n x e e
u x y BC
a

| |

|
=
|
|
\

The most general solution is given by
( )
1
1
, sin
2
n y n y
a a
n
n
n x e e
u x y B
a

| |

|
=
|
|
\

By the condition
( )
1
1
, sin
2
n y n y
a a
n
n
n x e e
u x y B
a

| |

|
=
|
|
\

1
sinh sin 100
n
n
n x n x
B
a a

| |
= =
|
\

Which is half range some for ( ) 100 f x = (0.a)
0
2
sinh 100sin
a
n
n b n x
B dx
a a a

=


0
cos
200
a
n x
a
n
a
a

(
=
(
(





36
[ ]
200
cos cos 0 n
n

=
( )
200
1 1
n
n
(
=


400
is
0 is
if n odd
n
if n even

400
is
sinh
0 is
if n odd
n h
n Bn
a
if n even

( )
1
400
, sin sinh
sinh
n odd
n x n y
u x y
n h
a a
n
a

=
=


( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
1
1
2 1 2 1
sin sin
400
,
2 1
2 1 sinh
n
n x n x
a a
u x y
n h
n
a

=
| |
|
\
=
(

Similarly,
( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
2
1
2 1 2 1
sin sinh
400
,
2 1
2 1 sinh
n
n y n x
b b
u x y
n a
n
b

=
( (
( (

=
(

( ) ( ) ( )
1 2
, , , u x y u x y u x y = +
is the required solution where
1
u and
2
u are given above.

```````````