Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Problems on Vibrating string with non-zero Initial Velocity

In the previous article we allow the string to vibrate by taking it to some position
say 𝑓 𝑥
𝜕𝑦 𝑥,𝑡
and then released from rest. Therefore in that case the initial velocity at 𝑡 = 0 is
𝜕𝑡
zero. We may also allow the string to vibrate by giving some velocity to the string in its
equilibrium position. This initial velocity is given to each and every point in the string
from 0 to 𝑙 and hence it may be a function of 𝑥, say 𝑔 𝑥 . Because the string is in its
equilibrium position and hence there is no displacement at time 𝑡 = 0 therefore we
have 𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 0 at 𝑡 = 0 i.e., 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0 for every 𝑥. Now the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0 for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑣 = 𝑔 𝑥 , for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

1. If a string of length ‘ 𝒍 ’ is initially at rest in its equilibrium position and each of its
points is given the velocity

𝝏𝒚 𝝅𝒙
= 𝝂𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟑 ,𝟎 < 𝑥 < 𝑙
𝝏𝒕 𝒕=𝟎 𝒍

Determine the displacement function 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 .

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
From the given problem the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0, for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙 since the string has no displacement in its

equilibrium position.

𝜕𝑦 𝜋𝑥
𝑖𝑣 = 𝜈0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 , for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 𝑙
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Solving equation (1)and applying the boundary conditions 𝑖 and 𝑖𝑖 we get the
correct solution

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑐𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑐𝑡 (2)

Now applying condition 𝑖 in (2), we get

𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 𝑐1 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑐𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑐𝑡 = 0

∴ 𝑐1 = 0 (3)

Substituting (3) in (2), we get

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑐𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑐𝑡 (4)

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖 in (4), we get

𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑐𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑐𝑡 = 0

Here 𝑐2 ≠ 0 because if 𝑐2 = 0 we get only trivial solution.

Also 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑐𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑐𝑡 ≠ 0 because it is true for all 𝑡 > 0.

∴ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 ∵ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝜋 = 0
𝑛𝜋
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑝= (5)
𝑙
Substituting (5) in (4), we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (6)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖𝑖 in (6), we get

𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑐3 = 0
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥
Here as usual 𝑐2 ≠ 0, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ≠0 ∵ it is defined for all 𝑥
𝑙
∴ 𝑐3 = 0 (7)

Substituting (7) in (6), we get

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 where 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑐2 𝑐4
𝑙 𝑙
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

By superposition principle, we can write the most general solution as

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (8)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

𝜕𝑦 𝑥,𝑡
Before applying the condition 𝑖𝑣 , find . Partially differentiating (8) w.r.t. ‘𝑡’ , we
𝜕𝑡
get
∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (9)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Putting 𝑡 = 0 in (9), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

∞
𝜋𝑥
3
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝜈0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛 =1

𝜈0 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒., 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛
4 𝑙 𝑙
𝜋𝑐 𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑐 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑐 3𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 +⋯
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
By equating like coefficients, we get

𝜋𝑐 3 𝜈0 3𝜋𝑐 𝜈0
𝑐1 = , 𝑐2 = 0, 𝑐3 = − , 𝑐4 = 0, 𝑐5 = 0, … …
𝑙 4 𝑙 4
3 𝜈0 𝑙 3𝜋𝑐 𝜈0 𝑙
∴ 𝑐1 = and 𝑐3 = =− , the remaining 𝑐𝑛′ s are zero.
4𝜋𝑐 𝑙 12𝜋𝑐
Substituting these values in (8), we get

3 𝜈0 𝑙 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝜈0 𝑙 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑐𝑡

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
4𝜋𝑐 𝑙 𝑙 12𝜋𝑐 𝑙 𝑙

2. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝒙 = 𝟎 and 𝒙 = 𝒍 is initially at rest in its
equilibrium position. If it is set vibrating giving each point a velocity 𝝀𝒙 𝒍 − 𝒙 , then show
that
∞
𝟖𝝀𝒍𝟑 𝟏 𝒏𝝅𝒙 𝒏𝝅𝒂𝒕
𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 = 𝟒 𝟒
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒊𝒏 .
𝝅 𝒂 𝒏 𝒍 𝒍
𝒏=𝟏, 𝟑, 𝟓
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
From the given problem the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0, for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙 since the string has no displacement in its

equilibrium position.

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑣 = 𝜆𝑥 𝑙 − 𝑥 , for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

Applying the first three boundary conditions in the correct solution of (1) as in
the previous example we get the most general solution as
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Differentiating 2 partially with respect to ‘𝑡’ we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (3)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Putting 𝑡 = 0 in (3), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝜆𝑥 𝑙 − 𝑥 (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand 𝜆𝑥 𝑙 − 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series, we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝜆𝑥 𝑙 − 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑙
𝑛=1

From (4) and (5), we get

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Equating like coefficients, we get

𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑙
𝑐𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 (6)
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑐
𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
But 𝑏𝑛 = 𝜆𝑥 𝑙 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2𝜆 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
= 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 𝑙 − 𝑙 − 2𝑥 𝑙 + −2 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙3 0

2 𝜆 −2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑛𝜋 2
= 3 3 + 3 3
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙3 𝑙3

4 𝜆 𝑙2 𝑛
= 3 3 1 − −1
𝑛 𝜋

0, when 𝑛 is even
2
∴ 𝑏𝑛 = 8 𝜆 𝑙 (7)
, when 𝑛 is odd
𝑛3 𝜋 3

Substituting (7) in (6), we get

8 𝜆 𝑙2 𝑙 8 𝜆 𝑙3
𝑐𝑛 = = (8)
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛4 𝜋 4 𝑐
Substituting (8) in (2), we get
∞
8 𝜆 𝑙3 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛4 𝜋 4 𝑐 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1, 3, 5

3. A string is stretched between two fixed points at a distance 𝟐𝒍 apart and the points of
the string are given initial velocities 𝝂 where
𝒄𝒙
, 0<𝑥<𝑙
𝝂= 𝒄 𝒍
𝟐𝒍 − 𝒙 , 𝑙 < 𝑥 < 2𝒍
𝒍

𝒙 being the distance from an end point. Find the displacement of the string at any time.
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Let 2𝑙 = 𝐿 for convenience

Therefore, the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝐿, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0, for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝐿

2𝑐𝑥 𝐿
𝜕𝑦 , 0<𝑥<
𝑖𝑣 = 𝐿 2
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 2𝑐 𝐿
𝐿−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝐿
𝐿 2
Applying the first three boundary conditions in the correct solution of (1) we get
the most general solution as
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2)
𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1

Differentiating 2 partially with respect to ‘𝑡’ we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (3)
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1

Putting 𝑡 = 0 in (3), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1

2𝑐𝑥 𝐿
, 0<𝑥<
where 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 2
2𝑐 𝐿
𝐿−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝐿
𝐿 2
Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series,
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝐿
𝑛 =1
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

From (4) and (5), we get

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1 𝑛=1

Equating like coefficients, we get

𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑏𝑛 𝐿
𝑐𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐𝑛 = (6)
𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑐
𝐿
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
But 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝐿 𝐿
0

𝐿/2 𝐿
2 2𝑐𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐿 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
0 𝐿/2

𝐿/2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
4𝑐 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐿 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿
= 𝑥 𝑛𝜋 −1
𝐿2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝐿 𝐿2 0

𝐿
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐿 −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐿
+ 𝐿−𝑥 𝑛𝜋 − −1
𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿/2

𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
4𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
= 2 − 2 + 2 2 + 2 + 2 2
𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛 𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿 𝐿2
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
4 𝑐 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 8𝑐 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
= 2 =
𝐿 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝐿2
𝑛𝜋
8𝑐 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
∴ 𝑏𝑛 = (7)
𝑛2 𝜋 2
Substituting (7) in (6), we get
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
8𝑐 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝐿 8𝑐𝐿 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
𝑐𝑛 = =
𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑐
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Replace 𝐿 by 2𝑙, we get

𝑛𝜋
16𝑐𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
𝑐𝑛 = (8)
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑐
Substituting (8) in (2), we get
∞ 𝑛𝜋
16𝑐𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑐 2𝑙 2𝑙
𝑛=1

4. If a string of length 𝒍 is initially at rest in its equilibrium position and each of its points
is given a velocity 𝝂 such that

𝒍
𝒌𝒙, 0<𝑥≤
𝝂= 𝟐
𝒍
𝒌 𝒍−𝒙 , <𝑥≤𝑙
𝟐
Determine the displacement function 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 at any time 𝒕.

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Therefore the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0, for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙

𝑙
𝜕𝑦 𝑘𝑥, 0<𝑥≤
𝑖𝑣 = 2
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 𝑙
𝑘 𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥≤𝑙
2
After applying the first three boundary conditions in the correct solution of (1)
we get the most general solution as
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

Partially differentiating (2) with respect to ‘𝑡’ we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (3)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Putting 𝑡 = 0 in (3), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

𝑙
𝑘𝑥, 0<𝑥≤
where 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑙
𝑘 𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥≤𝑙
2
Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series,
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑙
𝑛 =1

From (4) and (5), we get

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑛=1

Equating like coefficients, we get

𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑏𝑛 𝑙
𝑐𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐𝑛 = (6)
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑐
𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
But 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑙/2 𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑘𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑘 𝑙 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙/2

𝑙/2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2𝑘 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 2
𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 0

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑙−𝑥 𝑙 − −1 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙/2
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
2𝑘 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
= − 2 + 2 2 + 2 + 2 2
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛 𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
2𝑘 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 4𝑘𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
= =
𝑙 𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙2
𝑛𝜋
4𝑘𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
∴ 𝑏𝑛 = (7)
𝑛2 𝜋 2
Substituting (7) in (6), we get
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
4𝑘𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑙 4𝑘𝑙 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
𝑐𝑛 = = (8)
𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑐
Substituting (8) in (2), we get
∞
4𝑘𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑐 2 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

5. A uniform string of length ‘𝒍’ is struck in such a way that an initial velocity of 𝝂𝟎 is
imparted to the portion of the string between 𝒍/𝟒 and 𝟑𝒍/𝟒 while the string is in its
equilibrium position. Find the displacement of the string at any time.

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Therefore the boundary conditions are

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 0, for all 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙

𝑙
0, 0<𝑥<
4
𝜕𝑦 𝑙 3𝑙
𝑖𝑣 = 𝜈0 , ≤𝑥≤
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 4 4
3𝑙
0, <𝑥≤𝑙
4
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

The most general solution of (1) which satisfies conditions 𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖 and 𝑖𝑖𝑖 is,
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
Then = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (3)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Putting 𝑡 = 0 in (3), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

𝑙
0, 0<𝑥<
4
𝑙 3𝑙
where 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝜈0 , ≤𝑥≤
4 4
3𝑙
0, <𝑥≤𝑙
4
Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series,
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑙
𝑛 =1

From (4) and (5), we get

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1 𝑛=1

Equating like coefficients, we get

𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑏𝑛 𝑙
𝑐𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 , 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐𝑛 = (6)
𝑙 𝑛𝜋𝑐
𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
But 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑙/4 3𝑙/4 𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙/4 3𝑙/4

3𝑙/4
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 0+ 𝜈0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 0
𝑙 𝑙
𝑙/4
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

𝑛𝜋𝑥 3𝑙/4
2𝜈0 −𝑐𝑜𝑠
= 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋
𝑙 𝑙/4

2𝜈0 3𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
=− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛𝜋 4 4
2𝜈0 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
= 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝜋 2 4
4𝜈0 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
∴ 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (7)
𝑛𝜋 2 4
Substituting (7) in (6), we get

4 𝜈0 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑐𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (8)
𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝑐 2 4
Substituting (8) in (2), we get
∞
4 𝜈0 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛 𝜋 𝑐 2 4 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

6. Find the displacement of a tightly stretched string of length 𝟕𝒄𝒎𝒔 vibrating between
fixed end points if initial displacement is 𝟏𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟑𝝅𝒙/𝟕 and initial velocity is
𝟏𝟓 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟗𝝅𝒙/𝟕 .

Solution: The vibration of string equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
=𝑎 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Let 𝑙 = 7𝑐𝑚

From the given problem we have the following boundary conditions

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0

3𝜋𝑥
𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 10 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙
𝜕𝑦 9𝜋𝑥
𝑖𝑣 = 15 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 𝑙
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

The correct solution of (1) which satisfies the above boundary conditions is

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐9 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐10 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐11 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝑐12 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑡 (2)

Applying condition 𝑖 in (2), we get

𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 𝑐9 𝑐11 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝑐12 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑡 = 0

∴ 𝑐9 = 0 (3)

Substituting (3) in (2), we get

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐10 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐11 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝑐12 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑡 (4)

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖 in (4), we get

𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 𝑐10 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 𝑐11 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑡 + 𝑐12 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑡 = 0

𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 = 0 ∵ 𝑐10 ≠ 0

𝑛𝜋
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋, 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑝= (5)
𝑙
Substituting (5) in (4), we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐10 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐11 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑐12 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑑𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

where 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑐10 𝑐11 ; 𝑑𝑛 = 𝑐10 𝑐12

The most general solution can be written as

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑑𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (6)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖𝑖 in (6), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 10 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥

𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + ⋯ = 10 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Equating like coefficients, we get

𝑐1 = 0, 𝑐2 = 0, 𝑐3 = 10, 𝑐4 = 𝑐5 = ⋯ = 0 (7)
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIC

From (6), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑎𝑡
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑑𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (8)
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Applying condition 𝑖𝑣 in (8), we get

∞
𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥 9𝜋𝑥
= 𝑑𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 15 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛 =1

𝜋𝑎 𝜋𝑥 2𝜋𝑎 2𝜋𝑥 9𝜋𝑎 9𝜋𝑥 9𝜋𝑥

𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑑1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑑2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + ⋯ + 𝑑9 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + ⋯ = 15 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Equating like coefficients, we get

15 𝑙
𝑑𝑛 = 0 for all 𝑛 except 𝑛 = 9, 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑑9 = (9)
9𝜋𝑎
Substituting (7) and (9) in (6), we get

3𝜋𝑎𝑡 3𝜋𝑥 15 𝑙 9𝜋𝑎𝑡 9𝜋𝑥

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 10 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙 9𝜋𝑎 𝑙 𝑙