𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢

2. Find the solution to the equation 𝜕𝑡 = 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 that satisfies the

UNIVERSITY QUESTIONS condition 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, for 𝑡 > 0 and 𝑢(𝑥, 0) =
𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙/2
{
Part : A May/June 2014 𝑙 − 𝑥, 𝑙/2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙

1. Write all the solutions of the one-dimensional wave equation 𝑦𝑡𝑡 = Part : A
𝛼 2 𝑦𝑥𝑥 . May/June 2013
2. State the assumption in deriving the one-dimensional heat flow 1. In the one dimensional heat equation 𝑢𝑡 = 𝑐 𝑢𝑥𝑥 , what is 𝑐 2 ?
2

equation (unsteady state).
Part : B
1. A string is stretched and fastened to points at a distance 𝑙 apart.
Motion is started by displacing the string in the form 𝑦 =
𝜋𝑥
𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 𝑙 ) , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙, from which it is released at time 𝑡 = 0. Find
the displacement at any point time ‘𝑡’.
2. An infinitely long rectangular plate with insulated surface is 10 cm
wide. The two long edges and one short edge are kept at 0℃, while
the other short edge 𝑥 = 0 is kept at temperature 𝑢 =
20𝑦, for 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 5
{ . Find the steady state temperature
20(10 − 𝑦), for 5 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 10
distribution in the plate.
Part : A Nov/Dec 2013
1. Define steady state condition on heat flow.
2. An insulated rod of length 𝑙 cm has its ends A and B maintained at 0℃
and 80℃ respectively. Find the steady state solution of the rod.
Part : B
1. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙 is
initially in a position given by 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝐾(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ). It is released
from rest from this position. Find the expression for the
displacement at any time 𝑡.
2. Write down the two dimensional heat equation both in transient and
steady states.
Part : B
1. A tightly stretched string between the fixed end points 𝑥 = 0and 𝑥 =
𝑙 is initially at rest in its equilibrium position. If each of its points is
given a velocity 𝑘𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥), find the displacement 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) of the string.
2. An infinitely long rectangular plate is of width 10 cm. The
temperature along the short edge 𝑦 = 0 is given by 𝑢 =
20𝑥, for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5
{ . If all the other edges are kept at zero
20(10 − 𝑥), for 5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10
temperature, find the steady state temperature at any point on it.
Part : A
Nov/Dec 2012
1. An insulated rod of length 60 cm has its ends at A and B maintained
at 20℃ and 80℃ respectively. Find the steady state solution of the
rod.
2. A plate is bounded by the lines 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑙 and 𝑦 = 𝑙. Its faces
are insulated. The edge coinciding with 𝑥 − axis is kept at100℃. The
edge coinciding with 𝑦 − axis is kept at 50℃. The other two edges are
kept at0℃. Write the boundary conditions that are needed for solving
two dimensional heat flow equation.
Part : B
1. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙 is
𝜋𝑥
initially in a position given by 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 ( 𝑙 ). It is released
from rest from this position. Find the expression for the
displacement at any time 𝑡 .
2. Find the steady state temperature distribution in a rectangular plate
of sides 𝑎 and 𝑏 insulated at the lateral surfaces and satisfying the

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 1
 boundary conditions : 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝑢(𝑎, 𝑦) = 0, for 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝑏; 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑏) = 0 without introducing an appreciable error. If the temperature of the
and 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥(𝑎 − 𝑥), for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎. 10𝑦, for 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 10
short edge 𝑥 = 0 is given by 𝑢 = { and
10(20 − 𝑦), for 10 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 20
the two long edges as well as the other short edge are kept at 0℃.
Part : A May/Jun 2012 Find the steady state temperature distribution in the plate.
1. What is the basic difference between the solution of one dimensional
Part : A Nov/Dec 2011
wave equation and one dimensional heat equation with respect to
the time?
1. Write down the three possible solutions of one dimensional heat
2. Write down the partial differential equation that represents steady
equation.
state heat flow in two dimensions and name the variables involved.
2. Give three possible solutions of two dimensional steady state heat
Part : B
flow equation.
1. The ends A and B of a rod40 cm long have their temperatures kept at
Part : B
0℃ and 80℃ respectively, until steady state condition prevails. The
temperature of the end B is then suddenly reduced to 40℃ and kept 1. A tightly stretched string of length of 𝑙 is initially at rest in its
so, while that of the end A is kept at 0℃. Find the subsequent equilibrium position and each of its points is given the velocity
temperature distribution 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) in the rod. 𝜋𝑥
2. A long rectangular plate with insulated surface is 𝑙 cm wide. If the 𝑉0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 ( 𝑙 ). Find the displacement 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡).
temperature along one short edge 𝑦 = 0 is 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) 2. A square plate is bounded by the lines 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 20 and 𝑦 =
degrees, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙, while the other two long edges 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 20. Its faces are insulated. The temperature along the upper
𝑙 as well as the other short edge are kept at 0℃, find the steady state horizontal edge is given by 𝑢(𝑥, 20) = 𝑥(20 − 𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 20 while
temperature function 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦). the other two edges are kept at 0℃. Find the steady state
temperature distribution in the plate.
Part : A Apr/May 2011
1. A rod 40 cm long with insulated sides has its ends A and B kept at Part : A Nov/Dec 2010
20℃ and 60℃ respectively. Find the steady state temperature at a
location 15 cm from A. 1. Write down the three possible solutions of one dimensional heat
2. Write down the three possible solutions of Laplace equation in two equation.
dimensions. 2. Give three possible solutions of two dimensional steady state heat
Part : B flow equation.
1. A uniform string is stretched and fastened to two points 𝑙 apart. Part : B
Motion is started by displacing the string into the form of the curve
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥) and then released from this position at time 𝑡 = 0. 1. A tightly stretched string of length 2𝑙 is fastened at both ends. The
Derive the expression for the displacement of any point of the string mid-point of the string is displaced by a distance 𝑏 transversely and
at a distance 𝑥 from one end at time 𝑡. the string is released from rest in this position. Find an expression
2. A rectangular plate with insulated surface is 20 cm wide and so long for the transverse displacement of the string at any time during the
compared to its width that it may be considered infinite in length subsequent motion.
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 2
 But 𝐴𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 𝐵𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝐶𝑢𝑦𝑦 + 𝐷𝑢𝑥 + 𝐸𝑢𝑦 + 𝐹𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) − − −(2)
2. A square plate is bounded by the lines 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 20 and 𝑦 =
20. Its faces are insulated. The temperature along the upper Comparison of (1) and (2) gives 𝐴 = 1, 𝐵 = 2, 𝐶 = 4
horizontal edge is given by 𝑢(𝑥, 20) = 𝑥(20 − 𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 20 while
the other three edges are kept at 0℃ . Find the steady state 𝐵2 − 4𝐴𝐶 = 4 − 4(1)(4) = 4 − 16 = −12 < 0
temperature in the plate. ∴ The given p.d.e is elliptic.

UNIT-III APPLICATIONS OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS Example 2 : Classify the p.d.e 4𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑢𝑥 − 8𝑢𝑦 − 16𝑢 = 0
Solution : Given 4𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑢𝑥 − 8𝑢𝑦 − 16𝑢 = 0 − − −(1)
Boundary Value Problem
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐴𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 𝐵𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝐶𝑢𝑦𝑦 + 𝐷𝑢𝑥 + 𝐸𝑢𝑦 + 𝐹𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) − − −(2)
A differential equation together with boundary conditions is known as
Comparison of (1) and (2) gives 𝐴 = 4, 𝐵 = 4, 𝐶 = 1
“Boundary Value Problem”.
𝐵2 − 4𝐴𝐶 = 16 − 4(4)(1) = 16 − 16 = 0
Classification of Partial Differential Equations of the Second Order ∴ The given p.d.e is parabolic.
Consider the second order p.d.e.
𝐴𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 𝐵𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝐶𝑢𝑦𝑦 + 𝐷𝑢𝑥 + 𝐸𝑢𝑦 + 𝐹𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) Practice Problems
1. Classify the partial differential equation 𝑢𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦𝑦 = 0
Where 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷, 𝐸, 𝐹 are functions of 𝑥 and 𝑦 or constants and 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is a
function of 𝑥 and 𝑦. 2. Classify the p.d.e 𝑥𝑓𝑥𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦𝑦 = 0

Classifications ONE DIMENSIONAL WAVE EQUATION (Equation of Vibrating String)

(i) If 𝐵2 − 4𝐴𝐶 < 0, then the p.d.e is elliptic. 𝜕2𝑦 2

𝜕2𝑦
The one dimensional wave equation is = 𝑎 ,
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
(ii) If 𝐵2 − 4𝐴𝐶 = 0, then the p.d.e is parabolic.
𝑇 Tension of the string
(iii) If 𝐵2 − 4𝐴𝐶 > 0, then the p.d.e is hyperbolic. where 𝑎2 = =
𝑚 Mass per unit length of the string

Illustrative examples Basic assumptions to derive the vibrating string

Example 1 : Classify the p.d.e 𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑢𝑦𝑦 , 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦 > 0 1. The mass of the string per unit length is constant.
Solution : Given 𝑢𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑢𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑢𝑦𝑦 − − −(1) 2. The string is perfectly elastic and does not offer any resistance to
bending.
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 3
 3. The motion takes place entirely in one plane ie., the 𝑥𝑦 − plane. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
4. The effect of friction is negligible. Example 1 : A string is stretched and fastened to two points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 =
𝑙 apart. Motion is started by displacing the string into the form 𝑦 =
The possible solutions of one dimensional wave equations
𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) from which it is released at time 𝑡 = 0. Find the displacement of
𝑝𝑥
(i) 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑒 + 𝐶2𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑎𝑡 )
any point on the string at a distance of 𝑥 from one end at time 𝑡.
(ii) 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡)

Solution :
(iii) 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 )(𝐶3 𝑡 + 𝐶4 ) 𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is = 𝑎2 , where 𝑎2 = . The
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚

The suitable solution of one dimensional wave equation boundary conditions are
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) (i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
(ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
Zero initial velocity Non – zero initial velocity 𝜕𝑦
(iii) (𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (∵ initial velocity is zero)
𝜕𝑡

𝑡 𝑡 (iv) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙

y The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is
y
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1)
Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1),
𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝑜 𝑥 𝑜 𝑥 (1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2)
Boundary conditions Boundary conditions
Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2),
(i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 (i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
(ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 (ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝜕𝑦 (iii) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
(iii) (𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝜕𝑦
(iv) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (iv) (𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝜕𝑡
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙

Type I : Vibrating string with zero initial velocity

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 4
 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 − − −(3) 0, when n is even
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 )
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 2
, when n is odd
Differentiating (3) partially w.r.to 𝑡, 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 0, when n is even
(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (−𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . + 𝐶4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 . )
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 ∴ 𝐶𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 2
, when n is odd
Apply (iii) boundary condition in the above equation 𝑛3 𝜋 3
∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎 8𝑘𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(𝑥, 0) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝐶4 =0 (4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 3
𝑛 𝜋 3 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1,3,5,…
Here 𝐶4 = 0 ∞
8𝑘𝑙 2 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑥 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
(3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) (2𝑛 − 1) 𝜋
3 3 𝑙 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 𝑛=1
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 This is the required displacement function.
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 , where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2𝐶3
𝑙 𝑙
The most general solution is Example 2 : A string is tightly stretched and its ends are fastened at two
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙. The mid-point of the string is displaced
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − − −(4)
𝑙 𝑙 transversely through a small distance 𝑏 and the string is released from rest
𝑛=1

Apply (iv) boundary condition in equation(4), in that position. Find an expression for the transverse displacement of the
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 string at any time during the subsequent motion.
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0<𝑥<𝑙
𝑙 Solution : First we find the equation of the string in its initial position
𝑛=1

If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑦
𝑙
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐴 (0, )
Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑙 0 𝑙
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑘 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= ∫ 𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ (𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑥
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
2𝑘 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑂(0,0) 𝐵(𝑙, 0)
= [(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) ( 𝑙 ) − (𝑙 − 2𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) + (−2) ( 3 3𝑙 )]
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙3 0
The equation of the string (line) OA is
2𝑘 −2𝑙 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 −4𝑘𝑙 2
= × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ] = 3 3 [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 0 𝑛 𝜋
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 5
 𝑦−0 𝑥−0 𝑦 − 𝑦1 𝑥 − 𝑥1 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1)
= [∵ = ]
𝑏−0 𝑙 −0 𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
2 Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1),
𝑦 𝑥 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
=
𝑏 𝑙
2 ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
2𝑏𝑥 𝑙 (1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2)
𝑦= , 0<𝑥<
𝑙 2
Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2),
The equation of the string (line) AB is
𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝑦−0 𝑥−𝑙
= Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝑏−0 𝑙 −𝑙
2 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑦 𝑥−𝑙 𝑛𝜋
= 𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑏 𝑙 𝑙
−2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
2𝑏(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑙 (2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3)
𝑦= , <𝑥< 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑙 2
Differentiating (3) partially w.r.to 𝑡
Hence the initial displacement of the string is
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
2𝑏𝑥 𝑙 (𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (−𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . + 𝐶4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 . )
, 0<𝑥< 𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = { 𝑙 2
Apply (iii) boundary condition in the above equation
2𝑏(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑙
, <𝑥< 𝑙 𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎
𝑙 2
(𝑥, 0) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝐶4 =0
𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇 𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is = 𝑎2 , Where 𝑎2 = . The
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚 Here 𝐶4 = 0
boundary conditions are 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 )
(i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 𝑙 𝑙
(ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜕𝑦
𝑙 𝑙
(iii) 𝜕𝑡
(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (∵ initial velocity is zero) where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3
2𝑏𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<2 The most general solution is
𝑙
(iv) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = {2𝑏(𝑙−𝑥) 𝑙
, ∞
,2 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑙 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − − −(4)
𝑙 𝑙
The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is 𝑛=1

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 6
Apply (iv) boundary condition in equation (4) 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
∞ 4𝑏 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 = − 𝑛𝜋 + + 𝑛𝜋 +
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑙2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
𝑛=1 [{ ( ) ( )} { ( ) ( )} ]
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 4𝑏 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 = [− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 2 2𝑛𝜋 2
2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2 2𝑛𝜋 2
2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2
Now, 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 4𝑏 2𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 = 2
[ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2
= [∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
2 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2
𝑙
2 2 2𝑏𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
2𝑏(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑛𝜋𝑥 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
= [∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] ∴ 𝐶𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2
2 ∞
8𝑏 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑙
𝑙 (4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
2 2𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
𝑛 𝜋 2 2 𝑙 𝑙
= × [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] 𝑛=1
𝑙 𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
2 This is the required displacement function.
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
4𝑏 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 Example 3 : A taut string of length 2𝑙 is fastened at both ends. The mid-
= 2 {𝑥 ( 𝑙 ) − (1) ( 𝑙 )}
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 point of the string is taken to a height of 𝑏 and then released from rest in
[ 0
that position. Find the displacement of the string at any time.
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿
+ {(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) − (−1) ( 𝑙 )} Solution : Here 2𝑙 = 𝐿 ⟹ 𝑙 = 2
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙
2] 𝑦
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 𝐿
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 ( , 𝑏)
4𝑏
= 2 {−𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 ) + ( 2 𝑙2 )}
2
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2
[ 0

𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 𝑥
+ {−(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 ) − ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑛 𝜋 𝑂(0,0) 𝐵(𝐿, 0)
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙
2]

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 7
 2𝑏𝑥 𝐿
,0 < 𝑥 <
𝐿 2
The equation of the string (line) OA is (iv) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = {2𝑏(𝐿−𝑥) 𝐿
, <𝑥< 𝐿
𝐿 2
𝑦−0 𝑥−0 𝑦 − 𝑦1 𝑥 − 𝑥1
= [∵ = ] The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is
𝑏−0 𝐿 𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
2 − 0
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1)
Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1),
𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝑦 𝑥
= ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝑏 𝐿
2
(1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2)
2𝑏𝑥 𝐿
𝑦= , 0<𝑥< Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2),
𝐿 2
The equation of the string (line) AB is 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝐿)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝑦−0 𝑥−𝐿 Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝐿 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
=
𝑏−0 𝐿−𝐿 𝑝𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
2
𝑛𝜋
𝑦 𝑥−𝐿 𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
= 𝐿
𝑏 𝐿
− 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
2
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3)
2𝑏(𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑦= , <𝑥< 𝐿
𝐿 2 Differentiating (3) partially w.r.to 𝑡
Hence the initial displacement of the string is 𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (−𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . + 𝐶4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 . )
2𝑏𝑥 𝐿 𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
, 0<𝑥<
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = { 𝐿 2 Apply (iii) boundary condition in the above equation
2𝑏(𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝐿
, <𝑥< 𝐿 𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎
𝐿 2 (𝑥, 0) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝐶4 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿
𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is 𝜕𝑡 2
= 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 , where 𝑎2 = 𝑚 Here 𝐶4 = 0
The boundary conditions are 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 )
𝐿 𝐿
(i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(ii) 𝑦(𝐿, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 , where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝐿 𝐿
𝜕𝑦
(iii) (𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 (∵ initial velocity is zero) The most general solution is
𝜕𝑡
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 8
 ∞ 𝐿
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − − −(4) 4𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 𝐿 = 2 {−𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) + ( 2 𝐿2 )}
𝐿
𝑛=1 𝐿 𝑛 𝜋
𝐿 𝐿2
Apply (iv) boundary condition in equation (4) [ 0

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿
= 𝑓(𝑥), 0<𝑥<𝐿 + {−(𝐿 − 𝑥) ( 𝑛𝜋 𝐿 ) − ( 2 𝐿2 )}
𝑛=1 𝑛 𝜋
𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 2]

𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 4𝑏 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝐿 0 𝐿 = − 𝑛𝜋 + + 𝑛𝜋 +
𝐿2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿 𝐿2
𝐿 [{
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 ( ) ( )} { ( ) ( )} ]
= [∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 4𝑏 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋
2 = [− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝐿2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2
𝐿
𝐿
2 2 2𝑏𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑏(𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝑛𝜋𝑥 4𝑏 2𝐿2 𝑛𝜋
= [∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] = [ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 2
2 𝐿 𝑛 𝜋 2
𝐿
𝐿 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
2 2𝑏 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛
= × [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2
𝐿 𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
∴ 𝐶𝑛 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
4𝑏 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∞
= 2 {𝑥 ( 𝐿 ) − (1) ( 𝐿 )} 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 (4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝐿 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝐿 𝐿
[ 𝐿2 0 𝑛=1

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿 Substituting 𝐿 = 2𝑙, we get

− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ {(𝐿 − 𝑥) ( 𝐿 ) − (−1) ( 𝐿 )} ∞
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 8𝑏 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝐿 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙2 𝐿 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑙 2𝑙
2] 𝑛=1

This is the required displacement function.

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 9
Example 4 : A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙 𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (−𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . + 𝐶4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 . )
3 𝜋𝑥 𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
is initially in a position given by 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑙
. If it is released from
Apply (iii) boundary condition in the above equation
rest from this position, find the displacement 𝑦 at any distance 𝑥 from one
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎
end at any time 𝑡. (𝑥, 0) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝐶4 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
Solution : Here 𝐶4 = 0
𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is 𝜕𝑡 2
= 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 , Where 𝑎2 = 𝑚 (3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 )
𝑙 𝑙
The boundary conditions are
(i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3
(ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 𝑙 𝑙
𝜕𝑦 The most general solution is
(iii) 𝜕𝑡
(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (∵ initial velocity is zero)
∞
𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(iv) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 , 0 <𝑥<𝑙 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − − −(4)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is
Apply (iv) boundary condition in equation (4)
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1) ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1), 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 ,0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
Put 𝑛 = 1,2,3,4, … in the above, we get
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑥
(1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2) 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2), 3 𝜋𝑥 1 3𝜋𝑥 3 1
= 𝑦0 [ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ] {∵ 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛3𝐴}
4 𝑙 4 𝑙 4 4
𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑥
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 3𝑦0 𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑥 𝑦0 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑥
𝑛𝜋 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
4 𝑙 𝑙 4 𝑙 𝑙
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙 On comparison, we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3) 3𝑦0 𝑦0
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝐶1 = , 𝐶2 = 0, 𝐶3 = − , 𝐶4 = 0, …
4 4
Differentiating (3) partially w.r.to 𝑡
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 10
 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 2𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎𝑡 each point a velocity 𝜆𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥), then show that 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) =
(4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 8𝑘𝑙3 1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
∑∞
𝑛=1,3,5,.. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡 4𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝜋4 𝑛4 𝑙 𝑙
+ 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 Solution :
Substituting the values of 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 , 𝐶4 , … in the above, 𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is = 𝑎2 ,where 𝑎2 =
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚
3𝑦0 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 2𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑦0 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 The boundary conditions are
4 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 4 𝑙 𝑙
4𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎𝑡 (i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
+ 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 (ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0

3𝑦0 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑦0 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡

𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (iii) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (∵ initial displacement is zero)
4 𝑙 𝑙 4 𝑙 𝑙
𝜕𝑦
This is the required displacement function. (iv) (𝑥, 0) = 𝜆𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝜕𝑡

The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is

Problems for practice
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1)
1. A string is stretched and fastened at two points at a distance 𝑙 apart.
𝜋𝑥
Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1),
Motion is started by displacing the string in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ,0 <
𝑙 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝑥 < 𝑙, from which it is released at time 𝑡 = 0. Find the displacement of ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
any point at a distance ‘𝑥’ from one end at time ‘𝑡’. (1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2)
𝑙
2. A taut string of length 𝑙 has its ends = 0 , 𝑥 = 𝑙 fixed. The point 𝑥 = Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2),
3

is drawn aside a small distance ℎ, the displacement 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) satisfies 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2 𝑦 Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝜕𝑡 2
= 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 . Determine 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) at any time ‘𝑡’.
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
Type II : Vibrating string with non-zero initial velocity 𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Example 1 : A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑥 =
Apply (iii) boundary condition in(3),
𝑙 is initially at rest in its equilibrium position. If it is set vibrating giving

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 11
 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) 𝐶3 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑙 2𝜆 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
= [(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) ( 𝑙 ) − (𝑙 − 2𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) + (−2) ( 𝑙 )]
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛3 𝜋 3
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙3 0
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) 2𝜆 −2𝑙 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 = × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ]
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 0
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2𝐶4
𝑙 𝑙 −4𝜆𝑙 2
= [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
The most general solution is 𝑛3 𝜋 3
∞ 0, when n is even
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(4) 𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝜆𝑙 2
𝑙 𝑙 , when n is odd
𝑛=1 𝑛3 𝜋 3
0, when n is even
𝑛𝜋𝑎 2
Differentiating (4) w.r.to 𝑡 we get ∴ 𝐶𝑛 ( ) = { 8𝜆𝑙
𝑙 , when n is odd
∞ 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) 0, when n is even
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 ∴ 𝐶𝑛 = { 8𝜆𝑙 3
, when n is odd
Apply (iv) boundary condition in the above, 𝑛4 𝜋 4 𝑎
∞ ∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎 8𝜆𝑙 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) (4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 4 4
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑎 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑛=1,3,5,…
∞ ∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥 8𝜆𝑙 3 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑥 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑎𝑡
(𝑥, 0) = ∑ [𝐶𝑛 ( )] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 (2𝑛 − 1) 𝜋4 4 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑛=1

If 𝐶𝑛 (
𝑛𝜋𝑎
) = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < This is the required displacement function.
𝑙

𝑙
Example 2 : A string is stretched between two fixed points at a distance 2𝑙
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 apart and the points of the string are given initial velocities 𝑣 where 𝑣 =
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑐𝑥
𝑙
𝑖𝑛 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 {𝑐 𝑙 . 𝑥 being the distance from an end point. Find the
= ∫ 𝜆𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 (2𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑖𝑛 𝑙 < 𝑥 < 2𝑙
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙

2𝜆 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 displacement of the string at any time.

= ∫ (𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 Solution :
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 12
 𝜕2𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is = 𝑎2 , Where 𝑎2 = (3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 )
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚 𝐿 𝐿
𝐿
Here 2𝑙 = 𝐿 ⟹ 𝑙 = 2. The boundary conditions are 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝐿 𝐿
(i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
The most general solution is
(ii) 𝑦(𝐿, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0 ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(iii) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 (∵ initial displacement is zero) 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(4)
𝐿 𝐿
2𝑐𝑥 𝐿 𝑛=1
𝜕𝑦
, 0<𝑥<
𝐿 2 Differentiating (4) w.r.to 𝑡 we get
(iv) (𝑥, 0) = {2𝑐(𝐿−𝑥) 𝐿
𝜕𝑡
, <𝑥< 𝐿 ∞
𝐿 2
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1
The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is
Apply (iv) boundary condition in the above,
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1) ∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎
Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1), (𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1
𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0 ∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution} (𝑥, 0) = ∑ [𝐶𝑛 ( )] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0<𝑥<𝐿
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1
(1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2)
𝑛𝜋𝑎
If 𝐶𝑛 ( ) = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 <
Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2), 𝐿

𝑦(𝐿, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝐿)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0 𝐿

Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝐿 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥

Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝐿 0 𝐿
𝑝𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
𝐿
𝑛𝜋 2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, …. = [∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝐿 𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3) 𝐿
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 2 2 2𝑐𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿
2𝑐(𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Apply (iii) boundary condition in(3), = [∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) 𝐶3 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝐿
𝐿 2 2𝑐 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿
𝑛𝜋𝑥
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 = × [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝐿 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝐿 𝐿 0 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 13
 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 But 𝐶𝑛 ( ) = 𝑏𝑛
4𝑐 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿
= 2 {𝑥 ( 𝐿 ) − (1) ( 𝐿 )}
𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 8𝑐 𝑛𝜋 𝐿
𝐿 𝐿2 ∴ 𝐶𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ×
[ 0 𝑛 𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋𝑎
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝐿 8𝑐𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 (4) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ {(𝐿 − 𝑥) ( 𝐿 ) − (−1) ( 𝐿 )} 3 3
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 𝑎 2 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1
𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿
2] Substituting 𝐿 = 2𝑙 in the above equation, we get
𝐿
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
4𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐿 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿 ∞
= 2 {−𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) + ( 2 2 )} 16𝑐𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝐿 𝑛 𝜋 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 𝐿2 3 3
𝑛 𝜋 𝑎 2 2𝑙 2𝑙
[ 0 𝑛=1

𝐿 This is the required displacement function.

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ {−(𝐿 − 𝑥) ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − ( 2 𝐿2 )}
𝐿
𝑛 𝜋 Example 3 : If a string of length 𝑙 is initially at rest in its equilibrium
𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿
2] 𝜕𝑦 𝜋𝑥
position and each of its points is given the velocity ( 𝜕𝑡 ) = 𝑣0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 ( 𝑙 ) ,
𝐿 𝐿 𝑡=0
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
4𝑐 𝐿 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐿 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿 2 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙. Determine the displacement function 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡).
= − 𝑛𝜋 +
𝐿2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 Solution:
𝐿 𝐿2
[{ ( ) ( )} 𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2𝑦 𝑇
The One Dimensional Wave Equation is = 𝑎2 , where 𝑎2 =
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚
𝐿 𝐿
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2 The boundary conditions are
𝐿 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐿 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿
+ 𝑛𝜋 + (i) 𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝐿 𝐿2
{ ( ) ( )} ] (ii) 𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, ∀ 𝑡 ≥ 0
4𝑐 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 𝐿2 𝑛𝜋 (iii) 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 (∵ initial displacement is zero)
= 2
[− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝐿 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 𝜕𝑦
(iv) ( 𝜕𝑡 ) = 𝑣0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3
𝜋𝑥
, 0<𝑥<𝑙
𝑡=0 𝑙
4𝑐 2𝐿2 𝑛𝜋
= 2 [ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ] The suitable solution for the above boundary conditions is
𝐿 𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(1)
8𝑐 𝑛𝜋
𝑏𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛 𝜋 2 Apply (i) boundary condition in equation(1),
𝑦(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 14
 ∞
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
(𝑥, 0) = ∑ [𝐶𝑛 ( )] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑣0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 , 0<𝑥<𝑙
(1) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) − − −(2) 𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Apply (ii) boundary condition in equation(2), Put 𝑛 = 1,2,3,4, … in the above, we get
𝑦(𝑙, 𝑡) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡) = 0 𝜋𝑎 𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎 4𝜋𝑥
𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
3 𝜋𝑥 1 3𝜋𝑥 3 1
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 = 𝑣0 [ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ] ∵ 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛3𝐴
4 𝑙 4 𝑙 4 4

𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, …. 𝜋𝑎 𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎 4𝜋𝑥
𝑙 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) − − −(3) 3𝑣0 𝜋𝑥 𝑣0 3𝜋𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛
4 𝑙 4 𝑙
Apply (iii) boundary condition in (3),
On comparison, we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) 𝐶3 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝜋𝑎 3𝑣0 2𝜋𝑎 3𝜋𝑎 𝑣0 4𝜋𝑎
𝑙 𝐶1 = , 𝐶2 = 0, 𝐶3 =− , 𝐶4 = 0, … …
𝑙 4 𝑙 𝑙 4 𝑙
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0
3𝑣0 𝑙 𝑣0 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝐶1 = , 𝐶2 = 0, 𝐶3 = − , 𝐶 = 0, … …
(3) ⟹ 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) 4𝜋𝑎 12𝜋𝑎 4
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 (4) ⟹
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 , where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2𝐶4 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 2𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎𝑡 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
The most general solution is 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
∞ 4𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − − −(4) 𝑙 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 Substituting the values of 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 , 𝐶4 , … in the above,
Differentiating (4) w.r.to 𝑡 we get 3𝑣0 𝑙 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 2𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
∞ 4𝜋𝑎 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎
(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑣0 𝑙 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡 4𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 0. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑛=1 12𝜋𝑎 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Apply (iv) boundary condition in the above, 3𝑣0 𝑙 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑣0 𝑙 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡
∞
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎 4𝜋𝑎 𝑙 𝑙 12𝜋𝑎 𝑙 𝑙
(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) This is the required displacement function.
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 15
Problems for Practice The solution of Laplace equation gives the temperature distribution 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦)
1. If a string of length 𝑙 is initially at rest in its equilibrium position and in the rectangular metal sheet.
each of its point given by a velocity ‘𝑣’ such that 𝑣 =

𝑐𝑥 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0 < 𝑥 < .

𝑙 Note : The possible solution of Laplace equations are
2
{ 𝑙 . Show that the displacement at any time 𝑡 (i) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦)
𝑐(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2
(ii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 )
4𝑐𝑙2 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑎𝑡 1 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑎𝑡
is given by 𝑦 = 𝑎𝜋3
[sin 𝑙
. sin 𝑙
− 33 . sin 𝑙
. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑙
+ ⋯] (iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑥 + 𝐶2 )(𝐶3𝑦 + 𝐶4 )

2. A taut string of length 2𝑙 fastened at both ends, is disturbed from its

equilibrium position by imparting to each of its point an initial velocity Temperature Distribution in Infinite Plates

of magnitude 𝑘(2𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ). Find the displacement function (𝑥, 𝑡) . Type I :

Infinite plate extended in 𝑦 –direction
TWO DIMENSIONAL HEAT EQUATION (a) Boundary conditions:
The temperature 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) of the plate at time 𝑡 is given (i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
by the equation = 𝑐2 [ 2 + ]. (ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 2
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = 0
This equation is called the two dimensional heat equation.
(iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
Laplace’s Equation in Two Dimension (b) Suitable solution:
(Steady State Two Dimensional Heat Equation) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 )
Let us consider the steady state temperature distribution in a rectangular (c) Fourier series solution:
metal sheet. In steady state, the temperature everywhere is independent of
∞ 𝑛𝜋𝑥 −𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐵𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝜕𝑢 𝑛=1 𝑙
time 𝑡 and therefore = 0.
𝜕𝑡 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝐵𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝜕2𝑢 𝑙 0 𝑙
Therefore, the temperature 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) is then satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2
+
𝜕2 𝑢
= 0, which is called Laplace equation (or) two dimensional heat
𝜕𝑦 2

equation in steady state.

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 16
 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
Example 1 : Find the steady state temperature in a semi-infinite strip (2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶4𝑒 − 𝑙 ) − − −(3)
𝑙
whose faces are insulated and whose edges 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝜋 and the edge at Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3),
infinity are kept at 0℃ if the base 𝑦 = 0 is kept at a constant temperature 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶4 𝑒 −∞ ) = 0
𝑙
𝑢0 under steady state condition.
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0
Solution :
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in (3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑙 )
𝑙
𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0 = 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙
Here 𝑙 = 𝜋

Boundary conditions 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦

= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
(i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦 𝑙
The most general solution is
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦
∞
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = 0, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑙
(iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑢0 , for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝜋 𝑛=1

The suitable solution is Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4),

∞
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(1) 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝑙
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1), 𝑛=1

𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0 If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙

⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution} 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥

𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2)
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2), = ∫ 𝑢0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0, {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 17
 2𝑢0 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 Solution :
= ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
2𝑢0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑙 steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0
= [ 𝑛𝜋 ]
𝑙
𝑙 0
Here 𝑙 = 10
Boundary conditions
2𝑢0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠0
= [ 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛𝜋 ] i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦
𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦
2𝑢0 𝑙
= × [1 − (−1)𝑛 ] iii) 𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = 0, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝑙
2𝑢0 20𝑥, 0<𝑥<
= [1 − (−1)𝑛 ] iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = { 2
𝑛𝜋 𝑙
20(𝑙 − 𝑥), < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2
4𝑢0
= { 𝑛𝜋 , when 𝑛 is odd
0, when 𝑛 is even The suitable solution is
∞
4𝑢0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(1)
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑙 Apply (i) boundary condition in(1),
𝑛=1,3,5,…

Put 𝑙 = 𝜋, we get 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0

∞ ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
4𝑢0 1
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝑥 𝑒 −𝑛𝑦 (1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2)
𝜋 𝑛
𝑛=1,3,5,…
∞ Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
4𝑢0 1
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑛 − 1)𝑥 𝑒 −(2𝑛−1)𝑦 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
𝜋 (2𝑛 − 1)
𝑛=1
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
This is the required steady state temperature distribution.
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋
Example 2 : An infinitely long rectangular plate is of width 10 cm. The 𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
temperature along the short edge 𝑦=0 is given by 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶4𝑒 − 𝑙 ) − − −(3)
20𝑥, 0<𝑥<5 𝑙
{ . If all the other edges are kept at zero
20(10 − 𝑥), 5 < 𝑥 < 10 Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation (3),
temperature, find the steady state temperature at any point on it.
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 18
 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶4 𝑒 −∞ ) = 0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
𝑙 40 𝑙 𝑙 )}
= {𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − (1) (
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 𝑙 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 [ 0
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑙 )
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
+ {(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) − (−1) ( 𝑙 )}
= 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒− 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 2]
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
40 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
The most general solution is = {−𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) + ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑙
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋
∞ 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 [ 𝑙2 0
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ {−(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑙
𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙
2]

Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4), 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
∞ 40 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 = − 𝑛𝜋 + + 𝑛𝜋 +
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑙 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
𝑛=1
[{ ( ) ( )} { ( ) ( )} ]
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 40 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 0 𝑙 = [− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝑙 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙
𝑙
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 40 2𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
= [∫ 20𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 20(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] = [ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2
2

𝑙 80𝑙 𝑛𝜋
40 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛
= [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥] 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
2 80𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝐶𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛 𝜋 2
∞
8𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑙
𝑛=1

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 19
Put 𝑙 = 10, we get ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
∞
80 × 10 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 (1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2)
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 10
𝑛 𝜋 2 10 Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
𝑛=1
∞
800 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 10
𝑛 𝜋 2 10 Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝑛=1

This is the required steady state temperature distribution. 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋

𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
Example 3 : A long rectangular plate with insulated surface is 𝑙 cm wide. If
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
the temperature along one short edge 𝑦 = 0 is 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) (2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶4𝑒 − 𝑙 ) − − −(3)
𝑙
degrees, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙, while the other two long edges 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙 as Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3),
well as the other short edges are kept at 0℃, find the steady state 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶4 𝑒 −∞ ) = 0
𝑙
temperature function 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦).
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0
Solution :
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in (3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑙 )
𝑙
𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0 = 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙
Here 𝑙 = 10 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝑙
The most general solution is
The boundary conditions are
∞
(i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑙
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦 𝑛=1

(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = 0, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 Apply (iv) boundary condition in (4),
∞
(iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) , for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
The suitable solution is 𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑝𝑦 −𝑝𝑦 )
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − − −(1) If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1), 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0 𝑙 0 𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 20
 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 two long edges 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 8 as well as the other short edge are kept at
= ∫ 𝑘𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 0℃ find the steady state temperature function 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦).
2𝑘 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 Solution :
= ∫ (𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
2𝑘 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0
= [(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) ( 𝑙 ) − (𝑙 − 2𝑥) ( 𝑙 )
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 Here 𝑙 = 8
𝑙 Boundary conditions
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠
+ (−2) ( 3 3𝑙 )] (i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦
𝑛 𝜋
𝑙3 (ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0, for all 𝑦
0
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = 0, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2𝑘 −2𝑙3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
= × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ] 𝜋𝑥
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 0 (iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) == 100 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑙
, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2
−4𝑘𝑙 The suitable solution is
= [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(1)
0, when n is even
𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 2 Apply (i) boundary condition in (1),
, when n is odd
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
0, when n is even ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝐶𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 2
, when n is odd (1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2)
𝑛3 𝜋 3
∞ Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
8𝑘𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 3 3
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
𝑛 𝜋 𝑙
𝑛=1,3,5,…
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
This is the required steady state temperature distribution.
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋
Example 4 : A rectangular plate with insulated surface is 8 cm wide and so 𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
long compared to its width that it may be considered infinite in length 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶4𝑒 − 𝑙 ) − − −(3)
without introducing an appreciable error. If the temperature along one 𝑙
short edge 𝑦 = 0 is given by 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 100 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋𝑥
in 0 < 𝑥 < 8 while the Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3),
8
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 21
 𝑛𝜋𝑥 PRACTICE PROBLEMS
𝑢(𝑥, ∞) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶4 𝑒 −∞ ) = 0
𝑙
1. A long rectangular plate has its surface insulated and the two long sides
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0
as well as one of the short side is maintained at 0℃. Find an expression
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶4𝑒 − 𝑙 ) for the steady state temperature 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) if the temperature along the
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
other short side is 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘𝑥 and its length is 𝑙 cm.
= 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙 −2𝑘𝑙(−1)𝑛 −2𝑘 (−1)𝑛 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦 ANS. 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑛𝜋
∴ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝜋
∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑛
. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑙
. 𝑒− 𝑙
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝑙 2. A thin sheet of metal bounded by the 𝑥-axis, the lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙
The most general solution is
and is stretching infinitely in the 𝑦-direction, has its vertical edges
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
maintained at the temperature 0℃. Over its base the temperature
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒− 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑙
𝑛=1 distribution 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑘𝑥 2 (𝑙 − 𝑥) is maintained. Find the steady state
Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4), temperature at any point in the plate. Assuming that the lower and
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥 upper surfaces of the sheet are insulated so that the heat flow is purely
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 100 𝑠𝑖𝑛 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 two dimensional.
𝑛=1

Put 𝑛 = 1,2,3,4, … in the above, we get −4𝑘𝑙 3 [2(−1)𝑛 + 1]

𝐀𝐍𝐒. 𝐶𝑛 =
𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 4𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + ⋯ = 100𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∞
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 −4𝑘𝑙 3 [2(−1)𝑛 + 1] 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
∴ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 .𝑒 𝑙
On comparison, we get 𝜋 3 𝑛 3 𝑙
1
𝐶1 = 100, 𝐶2 = 0, 𝐶3 = 0, 𝐶4 = 0,……
∞ Type II : Infinite plate extended in 𝒙 –direction
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙 (a) Boundary conditions:
𝑛=1
𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝑦 2𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝑦 3𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝑦 (i) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 (ii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = 0
4𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝑦 (iii) 𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = 0
+ 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 +⋯
𝑙
(iv) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝑓(𝑦), 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
𝜋𝑥 − 𝑛𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 100 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 (b) Suitable solution
𝑙
This is the required steady state temperature function. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦)

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 22
 (c) Fourier series solution: Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
∞ 𝑛𝜋𝑦 −𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 = 0
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐵𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐵𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
𝑛=1 𝑙 𝑙 0 𝑙 Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶4 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES 𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
Example 1 : An infinitely long metal plate in the form of an area is enclosed 𝑙
between the lines 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑦 = 𝑙 for positive values of 𝑥. The
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶2 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(3)
𝑙
temperature is zero along the edges 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑦 = 𝑙 and at infinity. If the
Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3),
edge 𝑥 = 0 is kept at temperature 𝑢 = 𝑘𝑦(𝑙 − 𝑦), 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙, find the steady 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶2 𝑒 −∞ )𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛 =0
state temperature distribution in the plate. 𝑙
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0

Solution :
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙
𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
steady. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2
+ 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙
Boundary conditions
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
(i) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0, for all 𝑥 = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝑙
(ii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = 0, for all 𝑥 The most general solution is
∞
(iii) 𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = 0, for 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
(iv) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝑘𝑦(𝑙 − 𝑦) , for 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
The suitable solution is Apply (iv) boundary condition in (4),
𝑝𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦) − − −(1) ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑥), 0<𝑥<𝑙
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1), 𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶3 = 0 If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 {If (𝐶1𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥
+ 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 Now 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑦)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
− − −(2) 𝑙 0 𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 23
 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 20𝑦, 0<𝑦<5
= ∫ 𝑘𝑦(𝑙 − 𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦 by 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = { . Find the steady state temperature
𝑙 0 𝑙 20(10 − 𝑦), 5 < 𝑦 < 10

2𝑘 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 distribution in the plate.

= ∫ (𝑙𝑦 − 𝑦 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
𝑙 0 𝑙 Solution :

𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in
2𝑘 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= [(𝑙𝑦 − 𝑦 2 ) ( 𝑙 ) − (𝑙 − 2𝑦) ( 𝑙 ) 𝜕2 𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation + =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
𝑙 𝑙2
Here 𝑙 = 10
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑐𝑜𝑠 Boundary conditions
+ (−2) ( 3 3𝑙 )]
𝑛 𝜋 (i) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0, for all 𝑥
𝑙3 0
(ii) 𝑢(0, 𝑙) = 0, for all 𝑥
2𝑘 −2𝑙 3 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙
= × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ] (iii) 𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = 0, for 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 0
𝑙
20𝑦, 0<𝑦<2
(iv) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = { 𝑙
−4𝑘𝑙 2 20(10 − 𝑦), < 𝑦 < 𝑙
2
= 3 3 [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
𝑛 𝜋
0, when 𝑛 is even
The suitable solution is
𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 2
, when 𝑛 is odd 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦)
𝑛3 𝜋 3 − − −(1)
0, when 𝑛 is even Apply (i) boundary condition in(1),
2
𝐶𝑛 = { 8𝑘𝑙 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶3 = 0
when 𝑛 is odd
𝑛3 𝜋 3
∞
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 {If (𝐶1𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution}
2
8𝑘𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒− 𝑙 (1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 − − −(2)
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑙
𝑛=1,3,5,…
Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),

Example 2 : An infinitely long rectangular plate with insulated surface is 10 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 = 0

cm wide. The two long edges and one short edge are kept at zero Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶4 = 0, we get a trivial solution}

temperature, while the other short edge 𝑥 = 0 is kept at temperature given 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋

𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 24
 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶2 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(3) −𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛𝜋𝑦
−𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑦 2
𝑙 40 𝑙 𝑙 )}
= {𝑦 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − (1) (
Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3), 𝑙 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2
𝑛𝜋𝑦 [ 0
𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶2 𝑒 − ∞ )𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 =0
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙
− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 )}
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 + {(𝑙 − 𝑦) ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − (−1) (
𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2]
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 2
= 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 40 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 = {−𝑦 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) + ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑙
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 𝑙2
= 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4 [ 0
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙
The most general solution is 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ {−(𝑙 − 𝑦) ( 𝑛𝜋 ) − ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑙
∞ 𝑛 𝜋
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4) 𝑙2 𝑙
2]
𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4), 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
40 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
= − 𝑛𝜋 + + 𝑛𝜋 +
𝑙 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
∞ [{
𝑛𝜋𝑦 ( ) ( )} { ( ) ( )} ]
𝑢(0, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑦), 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
𝑙
𝑛=1
40 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙 = [− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝑙 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦 40 2𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 0 𝑙 = [ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙
𝑙
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 80𝑙 𝑛𝜋
= [∫ 20𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦 + ∫ 20(𝑙 − 𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦] 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 2
𝑛 𝜋 2 2
2
80𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝑙
𝑙 𝐶𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
40 2 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛 𝜋 2
= [∫ 𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦 + ∫ (𝑙 − 𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦] ∞
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 8𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑙
𝑛=1

Put 𝑙 = 10, we get

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 25
 ∞
80 × 10 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥 Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 10
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 10 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 = 0
𝑛=1
∞ Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶4 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
800 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 10 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛 𝜋 2 10
𝑛=1
𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
Example 3 : An infinitely long uniform plate is bounded by two parallel 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶2 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(3)
edges parallel to x-axis and an end at right angles to them. The breath is 𝜋. 𝑙
This end is maintained at a temperature 𝑢0 at all points and the other ends Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3),
are at zero temperature. Show that the temperature in steady state is given 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 ∞ + 𝐶2 𝑒 −∞ )𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛 =0
𝑙
4𝑢𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑛−1)𝑦𝑒 −(2𝑛−1)𝑥
by 𝑢 = ∑∞
𝑛=1 ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0
𝜋 2𝑛−1

Solution : 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦

(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) in the infinite strip in
𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 = 𝐶2 𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒− 𝑙
steady state. Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies the equation 𝜕𝑥 2 + 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Here 𝑙 = 𝜋 = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝑙
The boundary conditions are The most general solution is
(i) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0, for all 𝑥 ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
(ii) 𝑢(0, 𝑙) = 0, for all 𝑥 𝑙
𝑛=1
(iii) 𝑢(∞, 𝑦) = 0, 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4),
(iv) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝑢0 , 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙 ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑦
The suitable solution is 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑦), 0<𝑦<𝑙
𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦) − − −(1)
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1),
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶3 = 0 𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑦) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
𝑙 0 𝑙
⟹ 𝐶3 = 0 {If (𝐶1𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution} 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦
= ∫ 𝑢0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑦 − − −(2) 𝑙 0 𝑙

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 26
 2𝑢0 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑦
= ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑦
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )
𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙 Boundary conditions
2𝑢0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑙
= [ 𝑛𝜋 ] (𝑖) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑙
𝑙 0
(𝑖𝑖) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑏) = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
2𝑢0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠0 (𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑏
= [ 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛𝜋 ]
𝑙 (𝑖𝑣) 𝑢(𝑎, 𝑦) = 0, 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑏
𝑙 𝑙
2𝑢0 𝑙 2𝑢0
= × [1 − (−1)𝑛 ] = [1 − (−1)𝑛 ] Y Y
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
4𝑢0
𝑏𝑛 = { 𝑛𝜋 , when 𝑛 is odd
0, when 𝑛 is even
4𝑢0
𝐶𝑛 = { 𝑛𝜋 , when 𝑛 is odd
0, when 𝑛 is even X X

∞
4𝑢0 𝑛𝜋𝑦 − 𝑛𝜋𝑥
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
𝑛𝜋 𝑙
𝑛=1,3,5,…
∞
Example 1 : A square plate is bounded by the lines 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 =
4𝑢0
Put 𝑙 = 𝜋 ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑒 −𝑛𝑥 20 and 𝑦 = 20. Its faces are insulated. The temperature along the upper
𝑛𝜋
𝑛=1,3,5,… horizontal edge is given by 𝑢(𝑥, 20) = 𝑥(20 − 𝑥), when 0 < 𝑥 < 20 while
∞
4𝑢𝑜 1 the other three edges are kept at 0℃ . Find the steady state temperature in
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑛 − 1) 𝑦 𝑒 −(2𝑛−1)𝑥
𝜋 (2𝑛 − 1)
𝑛=1 the plate.
This is the required steady state temperature distribution. Solution :
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦). Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies
Temperature in the Rectangular Plate 𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
the Laplace equation + =0
Type I : Square (or) rectangular plate 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2

If the upper or lower edge of the plate is maintained at non-zero Here 𝑙 = 20

temperature, then the suitable solution is Boundary conditions

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 27
 (i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
= 2 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ
𝑙 𝑙
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 0, for 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 0, for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ where 𝐶𝑛 = 2 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝑙 𝑙
(iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = 𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥) ,0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙 The most general solution is
∞
The suitable solution is 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
𝑝𝑦 −𝑝𝑦 ) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ − − −(4)
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − − −(1) 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Apply (i) boundary condition in(1), Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4),
∞
𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑙) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜋 = 𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥)
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝑙
𝑛=1
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2) If 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜋 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 <
Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2), 𝑥<𝑙
𝑝𝑦 −𝑝𝑦
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑦) = 𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙(𝐶3 𝑒 + 𝐶4𝑒 )=0 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
Here 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= ∫ 𝑥(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑛𝜋 𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 = ∫ (𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) − − −(3) 𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑙
𝑙
Apply (iii) boundary condition in equation(3), 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
2)
= [(𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 ( 𝑙 ) − (𝑙 − 2𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) + (−2) ( 3 3𝑙 )]
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝐶3 + 𝐶4 ) = 0 {Since 𝑒 0 = 1} 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙3 0
⟹ 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution} 2 −2𝑙3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙
= × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ]
⟹ 𝐶4 = −𝐶3 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 0
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 −4𝑙2
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑙 − 𝐶3 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) = [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
𝑙 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
= 𝐶2 𝐶3𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑒 𝑙 − 𝑒 − 𝑙 ) 0, when 𝑛 is even
𝑙 𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝑙 2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 , when 𝑛 is odd
= 𝐶2 𝐶3𝑠𝑖𝑛 × 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ {∵ 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 −𝑥 } 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑙 𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 28
 0, when 𝑛 is even 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 𝐶1 (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
2
𝐶𝑛 = { 8𝑙 ⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0, then we get a trivial solution}.
3 3
, when 𝑛 is odd
𝑛 𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜋
∞
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(2)
2
8𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 3 3
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ Apply (ii) boundary condition in(2),
𝑛 𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1,3,5,…
𝑢(𝑎, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) = 0
Put 𝑙 = 20
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎 = 0 {If 𝐶2 = 0, we get a trivial solution}
∞
3200 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑝𝑎 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝑛=1,3,5,…
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦
3200
∞
1 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑥 (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋𝑦 (2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3𝑒 𝑎 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑎 ) − − −(3)
𝑎
= 3 ∑ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ
𝜋 (2𝑛 − 1) 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ(2𝑛 − 1)𝜋
3 20 20 Apply (iii) boundary condition in(3),
𝑛=1

Example 2 : Find the steady state temperature distribution in a rectangular 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑏
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑏) = (𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑎 ) = 0
plate of sides 𝑎 and 𝑏 insulated on the lateral surface and satisfying the 𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑏
conditions 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, 𝑢(𝑎, 𝑦) = 0, 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑏) = 0 and 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥(𝑎 − 𝑥). ⟹ 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 + 𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑎 =0
Solution : 𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑏
𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 = −𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑎
Let 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) be the temperature at any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦). Then 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies
𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑏
𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝐶4 𝑒 − 𝑎 = −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎
the Laplace equation 𝜕𝑥 2
+ 𝜕𝑦 2 = 0
𝑛𝜋𝑏
Boundary conditions 𝑒 𝑎
𝐶4 = −𝐶3 𝑛𝜋𝑏
(i) 𝑢(0, 𝑦) = 0, for all 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑏 𝑒− 𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑏
(ii) 𝑢(𝑎, 𝑦) = 0, for all 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑏 𝐶4 = −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 𝑒 𝑎

(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑏) = 0, for all 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 2𝑛𝜋𝑏

𝐶4 = −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎
(iv) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥(𝑎 − 𝑥), for all 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦
The suitable solution is
(3) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 𝑒 − 𝑎 )
𝑎
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑒 𝑝𝑦 + 𝐶4 𝑒 −𝑝𝑦 ) − − −(1)
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1),
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 29
 𝑛𝜋𝑦 2 −2𝑙 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑒 𝑎 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦 = × 3 3 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ]
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑛𝜋𝑦 −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑎 0
𝑎 𝑒− 𝑎 2 −2𝑙 3
= × [𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠0]
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑙 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 𝑒 𝑎 −𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎
𝑎 −4𝑙 2
= [(−1)𝑛 − 1]
𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝐶2 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) (𝑒 𝑎 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎
𝑎 0, when 𝑛 is even
𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝑏𝑛 = { 8𝑎2
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑒 𝑎 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3 , when 𝑛 is odd
𝑎 𝑛3 𝜋 3
The most general solution is 0, when 𝑛 is even
∞
2𝑛𝜋𝑏 8𝑎2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦 𝐶𝑛 (1 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) ={ 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 , when 𝑛 is odd
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑒 𝑎 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎 − − −(4) 𝑛3 𝜋 3 (1 − 𝑒 𝑎 )
𝑎
𝑛=1
∞
Apply (iv) boundary condition in(4), 8𝑎2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑛𝜋𝑦 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑦) = ∑ 2𝑛𝜋𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑒 𝑎 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 − 𝑎
𝑎
∞ 𝑛=1,3,5,… 𝑛3 𝜋 3 (1 − 𝑒 𝑎 )
𝑛𝜋𝑥 0 2𝑛𝜋𝑏
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑒 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) 𝑒 0
𝑎
𝑛=1
ONE DIMENSIONAL HEAT EQUATION
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑛𝜋𝑏
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
= ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (1 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) The One Dimensional Heat Equation is given by = 𝛼2
𝑎 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
𝑛=1
𝑘
2𝑛𝜋𝑏 where 𝛼 2 = , 𝑘 − Thermal conductivity, 𝜌 − density of the matrial, 𝑐 −
If 𝐶𝑛 (1 − 𝑒 𝑎 ) = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 𝜌𝑐

specific heat capacity

0<𝑥<𝑙
The possible solutions of One Dimensional Heat Equation are
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 (i) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼
2 𝑝2 𝑡
𝑙 0 𝑙
2 𝑝2 𝑡
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 (ii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 )𝐶3𝑒 −𝛼
= ∫ 𝑥(𝑎 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 (iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 )𝐶3
𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= ∫ (𝑎𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
𝑎
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 Example 1: Solve the equation = 𝛼2 subject to the boundary
2
= [(𝑎𝑥 − 𝑥 ) ( 𝑛𝜋
𝑎 ) − (𝑎 − 2𝑥) ( 𝑎 ) + (−2) ( 3 3𝑙 )] 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
𝑙 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋
𝑎 𝑎2 𝑎3 conditions 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥
0

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 30
Solution : Apply (iii) boundary condition in (4),
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝑘 ∞
Given the one dimensional heat equation is 𝜕𝑡 = 𝛼 2 𝜕𝑥 2 where 𝛼 2 = 𝜌𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 0
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 =𝑥
𝑙
Boundary conditions 𝑛=1
∞
(i) 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, for all 𝑡 > 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
𝑙
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, for all 𝑡 > 0 𝑛=1

(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥, for all 𝑥 in (0, 𝑙) If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
The suitable solution is 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
2 𝑝2 𝑡 𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 − − −(1)
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Apply (i) boundary condition in(1), = ∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
2 𝑝2 𝑡
𝑙 0 𝑙
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 =0 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If 𝐶3 = 0, then we get a trivial solution} 2 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= [𝑥 ( 𝑙 ) − (1) ( 𝑙 )]
2 𝑝2 𝑡 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 − − −(2) 𝑙 𝑙2 0
𝑛𝜋𝑙
2 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑙 2𝑙
Apply (ii) boundary condition in (2), = [𝑙 ( 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 )] = − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 = − (−1)𝑛
2 𝑝2 𝑡 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 =0 𝑙
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 2𝑙
𝑏𝑛 = (−1)𝑛+1
𝑛𝜋
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
2𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝐶𝑛 = (−1)𝑛+1
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, …. 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2 𝑛22𝜋2𝑡 2𝑙 𝑛+1
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(3) (4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ (−1) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2 𝑡 This is the required solution.
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝑙
The most general solution is 𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
Example 2 : Find the solution to the equation = 𝛼2 that satisfies the
∞ 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2𝑡
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4) conditions
𝑙
𝑛=1 (i) 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0 ,
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 31
 (ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, for 𝑡 > 0 , 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2 𝑡
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 where 𝐶𝑛 = 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝑙 𝑙
𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 < 2
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = { 𝑙
The most general solution is
𝑙 − 𝑥 for < 𝑥 < 𝑙 ∞
2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2𝑡
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑙
Solution : 𝑛=1

𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝑘 Apply (iii) boundary condition in (4),

Given the one dimensional heat equation is 𝜕𝑡 = 𝛼 2 𝜕𝑥 2 where 𝛼 2 = 𝜌𝑐
∞
𝑙
The boundary conditions are 𝑛𝜋𝑥 0 𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 <
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 ={ 2
𝑙 𝑙
(i) 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, for all 𝑡 > 0 𝑛=1 𝑙 − 𝑥 for < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, for all 𝑡 > 0
∞
𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 <
𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑓(𝑥) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 , where 𝑓(𝑥) = { 2
2
(iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = { 𝑙 , for all 𝑥 in (0, 𝑙) 𝑙 𝑙
𝑙 − 𝑥 for < 𝑥 < 𝑙 𝑛=1 𝑙 − 𝑥 for < 𝑥 < 𝑙
2 2
The suitable solution is If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙

𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼

2 𝑝2 𝑡
− − −(1) 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙
Apply (i) boundary condition in (1),
𝑙
𝑙
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼
2 𝑝2 𝑡
=0 2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If 𝐶3 = 0, then we get a trivial solution} 2

(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 2 𝑝2 𝑡 − − −(2) 𝑙

𝑙
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= [∫ 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥]
Apply (ii) boundary condition in (2), 𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
2
−𝛼2 𝑝2 𝑡
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 𝐶3 𝑒 =0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2 𝑛22𝜋2𝑡 − − −(3)
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 32
 𝑙
2 subject to the conditions (i) 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0 , (ii) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0, for 𝑡 > 0 , (iii)
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= {𝑥 ( 𝑙 ) − (1) ( 𝑙 )} 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙 2
[ 0

𝑙
STEADY STATE CONDITIONS AND ZERO BOUNDARY CODITIONS
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
+ {(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑙 ) − (−1) ( 𝑙 )}
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 Example 1 : A rod of length 20 cm has its ends A and B kept at temperature
2]
𝑙
𝑙
30℃ and 90℃ respectively until steady state conditions prevail. If the
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛 temperature at each end is then suddenly reduced to 0℃ and maintained
= {−𝑥 ( 𝑛𝜋 ) + ( 2 2 )} + {−(𝑙 − 𝑥) ( 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 ) − ( 2 𝑙2 )}
𝑙 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 so, find the temperature distribution at a distance from A at time 𝑡.
[ 0
2]
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 Solution :
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
2 2 2 2
2 𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
= − 𝑛𝜋 + + 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 = 𝛼2 2 − − −(𝑖)
𝑙 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
[{ ( ) ( )} { ( ) ( )} ] Here 𝑙 = 20
2 2 2 2
2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 When steady state conditions prevail the temperature function 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) is a
= [− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
𝑙 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2
function of 𝑥 alone and hence equation (𝑖) becomes
2 2𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
= [ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ] 𝜕2𝑢
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2 =0
𝜕𝑥 2
4𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑑2𝑢
𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − − −(𝑖𝑖)
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2 𝑖𝑒., =0
𝑑𝑥 2
4𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝐶𝑛 = 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 Solving (𝑖𝑖), we get
𝑛 𝜋 2
∞ 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 − − −(𝑖𝑖𝑖)
4𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2 𝑛22𝜋2 𝑡
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
When steady state condition exists the boundary conditions are
𝑛 𝜋 2 𝑙
𝑛=1
(i) 𝑢(0) = 30
This is the required solution.
(ii) 𝑢(𝑙) = 90
PRACTICE PROBLEM Substituting (𝑖) in (𝑖𝑖𝑖), we get
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢 𝑢(0) = 𝑏 = 30 − − −(𝑖𝑣)
1. Solve the one dimensional heat flow equation = 𝛼2 by the
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
Substituting (𝑖𝑣) in (𝑖𝑖𝑖), we get
variable separable method and using the suitable solution find 𝑢
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 33
 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 30 − − −(𝑣) 𝑛𝜋
𝑝= , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, ….
𝑙
Substituting (𝑖𝑖) in (𝑣), we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2 𝑛22𝜋2𝑡
(2) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(3)
𝑢(𝑙) = 𝑎𝑙 + 30 = 90 𝑙
⟹ 𝑎𝑙 = 90 − 30 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2 𝑛22𝜋2 𝑡
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
60 𝑙
⟹𝑎= − − −(𝑣𝑖)
𝑙 The most general solution is
Substituting (𝑣𝑖) in (𝑣), we get ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2𝑡
60𝑥 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙 − − −(4)
𝑢(𝑥) = + 30 𝑙
𝑛=1
𝑙
Apply (iii) boundary condition in (4),
After steady state condition is over, we have the following boundary
∞
conditions, 𝑛𝜋𝑥 0 60𝑥
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 = + 30
𝑙 𝑙
(a) 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0 𝑛=1
∞
(b) 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 60𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 where 𝑓(𝑥) = + 30
60𝑥 𝑙 𝑙
(c) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = + 30 𝑛=1
𝑙
If 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , then the above series is a half range sine series in 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢
The heat flow equation is = 𝛼2
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2 2 𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
The suitable solution is 𝑙 0 𝑙
2 𝑝2 𝑡
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 − − −(1) 2 𝑙 60𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= ∫ ( + 30) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 0 𝑙 𝑙

Apply (i) boundary condition in (1),

𝑙
2 𝑝2 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 =0 2 60𝑥 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= [( + 30) ( 𝑙 ) − (60) ( 𝑙 )]
𝑙 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑛2 𝜋 2
⟹ 𝐶1 = 0 {If 𝐶3 = 0, then we get a trivial solution}
𝑙 𝑙2
2 𝑝2 𝑡 0
(1) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 − − −(2)
𝑛𝜋𝑙
2 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑐𝑜𝑠0
Apply (ii) boundary condition in (2), = [90 ( 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 ) − 30 ( 𝑛𝜋 )]
𝑙
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼
2 𝑝2 𝑡
=0 𝑙 𝑙

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑙 = 0 2 −90𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 30
= [ 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛𝜋 ]
𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 𝑙
𝑙 𝑙
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 34
 2 𝑙 Example 1: A rod of 30 cm long has its ends A and B are kept at 20℃ and
= × [−90𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 + 30]
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 80℃ respectively until steady state conditions prevail. Find the steady state
60
𝑏𝑛 = [1 − 3(−1)𝑛 ] temperature in the rod.
𝑛𝜋
60 Solution : We know that, the steady state temperature in the rod is
𝐶𝑛 = [1 − 3(−1)𝑛 ]
𝑛𝜋 (𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )
∞ 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝜃1
60 𝑛𝜋𝑥 − 𝛼2𝑛22𝜋2 𝑡 𝑙
(4) ⟹ 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ [1 − 3(−1)𝑛 ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑒 𝑙
Here 𝜃1 = 20, 𝜃2 = 80 and 𝑙 = 30
𝑛𝜋 𝑙
𝑛=1
80 − 20
This is the required solution. ∴ 𝑢(𝑥) = ( ) 𝑥 + 20
30
60
Note : = 𝑥 + 20 = 2𝑥 + 20, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30
30
1. In steady state conditions, the temperature at any point is independent
of time. Example 2 : A rod 40 cm long with insulated sides has its ends A and B are
𝜕𝑢 kept at 20℃ and 60℃ respectively until steady state conditions prevail.
=0
𝜕𝑡 Find the steady state temperature at a location 15 cm from A.
2
𝜕 𝑢 Solution : We know that, the steady state temperature in the rod is
=0
𝜕𝑥 2
(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )
𝑑2𝑢 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝜃1
𝑖𝑒. , 2 = 0 𝑙
𝑑𝑥
Here 𝜃1 = 20, 𝜃2 = 60 and 𝑙 = 30
Integrating twice w.r.t , we get 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants.
60 − 20 40
∴ 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 20 = 𝑥 + 20
40 40
2. The temperature distribution in the rod at a distance 𝑥 is 𝑢(𝑥) =
(𝜃2 −𝜃1 )
𝑥 + 𝜃1, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙.
𝑙

Where 𝑙 is the length of the rod and the temperature at 𝑥 = 0 is 𝜃1 ℃ and at = 𝑥 + 20, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40

𝑥 = 𝑙 is 𝜃2 ℃. When 𝑥 = 15,
𝑢 = 15 + 20 = 35℃
Important Part-A questions

Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 35
Example 3 : State the governing equation of one dimensional heat equation 𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
Solution : The one dimensional heat equation is = 𝛼2 .
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
and state the necessary conditions to solve the one dimensional heat
In steady state, the temperature 𝑢 is independent of time.
equation.
𝜕𝑢
Solution : The governing equation of one dimensional heat equation is 𝑖𝑒. , =0
𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢 𝑘 𝜕2𝑢
= 𝛼2 2 , where 𝛼 2 = ⟹ =0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜌𝑐 𝜕𝑥 2
The necessary conditions are Integrating twice w.r.to 𝑥, we get
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 𝜃1 ℃, 𝑢(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵, where 𝐴 and 𝐵 are constants.
𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 𝜃2 ℃,
Example 7: What is the difference between the solution of one dimensional
and 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥), 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙.
wave equation and one dimensional heat equation.
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2 𝑢 𝜕2 𝑦 𝜕2 𝑦
Example 4 : In the diffusion equation = 𝛼2 , what is 𝛼 2? Solution : Solution of one dimensional wave equation = 𝑎2 is
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2

Solution : Here 𝛼 2 is called the diffusivity constant of the material of the bar 𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)(𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑡), which is periodic
through which heat flows. with respect to time 𝑡. But the solution of one dimensional heat equation
2 𝑝2 𝑡
𝛼2 =
𝑘
, where 𝑘 is thermal conductivity 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 , which is non-periodic with
𝜌𝑐
respect to time 𝑡.
𝜌 is the density of the material
𝑐 is the specific heat capacity of the material.
Example 8 : What are the laws assumed to derive the one dimensional heat

𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
equation?
Example 5: State three possible solutions of the heat equation = 𝛼 2 𝜕𝑡 2
𝜕𝑡 Solution : The laws assumed to derive the one dimensional heat equation
Solution : The three possible solutions are are
(𝑖) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑥)𝐶3 𝑒 −𝛼 2 𝑝2 𝑡
1. Heat flows from higher temperature to lower temperature.
(𝑖𝑖) 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = (𝐶1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 −𝑝𝑥 𝛼 2 𝑝2 𝑡
+ 𝐶2 𝑒 )𝐶3𝑒 2. The amount of heat required to produce a given temperature
(𝑖𝑖𝑖)𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵 change in a body is proportional to the mass of the body and to the
temperature change.
Example 6 : In steady state conditions, derive the solution of one
dimensional heat flow equation.
Prepared by: Dr.A.Manickam, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, TPDE-UNIT-IV
Page 36