Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

Vibrations of a Stretched String -Wave Equation

Consider a tightly stretched elastic string of length 𝐿 and fixed ends 𝐴 and 𝐵and
subjected to constant tension 𝑇. The tension 𝑇 will be considered to be large as
compared to the weight of the string so that the effects of gravity are negligible.

Let the string be released from rest and allowed to vibrate. We shall study the
subsequent motion of the string, with no external forces acting on it, assuming that each
point of the string makes small vibrations at right angles to the equilibrium position 𝐴𝐵,
of the string entirely in one plane.

Taking the end 𝐴 as the origin, 𝐴𝐵 as the 𝑥-axis and 𝐴𝑌 perpendicular to it as the
𝑦-axis; so that the motion takes place entirely in the 𝑥𝑦-plane. Figure shows the string in
the position 𝐴𝑃𝐵 at time 𝑡. Consider the motion of the element 𝑃𝑄 of the string between
its points 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑄 𝑥 + 𝛿𝑥, 𝑦 + 𝛿𝑦 , where the tangents make angles 𝛹 and 𝛹 + 𝛿𝛹
with the 𝑥-axis. Clearly the element is moving upwards with the acceleration 𝜕 2 𝑦/𝜕𝑡 2 .
Also the vertical component of the force act on this element.

= 𝑇 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛹 + 𝛿𝛹 − 𝑇 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛹 = 𝑇 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛹 + 𝛿𝛹 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛹

𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
= 𝑇 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛹 + 𝛿𝛹 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛹 , since 𝛹 is small = 𝑇 −
𝜕𝑥 𝑥+𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝑥

If 𝑚 is the mass per unit length of the string, then by Newton’s second law of
motion, we have

𝜕2𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝑚𝜕𝑥. 2
=𝑇 −
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑥+𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝑥

𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
2 −
𝜕 𝑦 𝑇 𝜕𝑥 𝑥+𝛿𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , =
𝜕𝑡 2 𝑚 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦 2
𝑇
Taking limit as 𝑄 → 𝑃 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑑𝑥 → 0, we have 2 = 𝑐 , where 𝑐 =
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑚
This is the partial differential equation giving the transverse vibrations of the
string. It is also called the one dimensional wave equation.
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

Solution of the wave equation: We know the one dimensional wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Assume that a solution of (1) is of the form 𝑧 = 𝑋 𝑥 𝑇 𝑡

where 𝑋 is a function of 𝑥 and 𝑇 is a function of 𝑡 only.

𝜕2𝑦 ′′
𝜕2𝑦
Then = 𝑋. 𝑇 and = 𝑋 ′′ . 𝑇
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Substituting these in (1), we get
𝑋 ′′ 1 𝑇 ′′
𝑋𝑇 ′′ = 𝑐 2 𝑋 ′′ 𝑇 𝑖. 𝑒., = 𝑐2 2
𝑋 𝑇

Clearly the left side of (2) is a function of 𝑥 only and the right side is a function of
𝑡 only. Since 𝑥 and 𝑡 are independent variables, (2) can hold good if each side is equal to
a constant 𝑘 (say). Then (2) leads to the ordinary differential equations:

𝑑2 𝑋 𝑑2 𝑇
− 𝑘𝑋 = 0 3 𝐚𝐧𝐝 − 𝑘𝑐 2 𝑇 = 0 (4)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑡 2
Solving (3) and (4), we get

𝑖 When 𝑘 is positive and = 𝑝2 , say 𝑋 = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 ; 𝑇 = 𝑐3 𝑒 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑐𝑝𝑡 .

𝑖𝑖 When 𝑘 is positive and = −𝑝2 , say 𝑋 = 𝑐5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 ; 𝑇 =

𝑐7 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐8 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡.

𝑖𝑖𝑖 When 𝑘 is zero. 𝑋 = 𝑐9 𝑥 + 𝑐10 ; 𝑇 = 𝑐11 𝑡 + 𝑐12 .

Thus the various possible solutions of wave-equation (1) are

𝑦 = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑒 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑐𝑝𝑡 (5)

𝑦 = 𝑐5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐7 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐8 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 (6)

𝑦 = 𝑐9 𝑥 + 𝑐10 𝑐11 𝑡 + 𝑐12 (7)

Of these three solutions, we have to choose that solution which is consistent with
the physical nature of the problem. As we will be dealing with problems on vibrations, 𝑦
must be a periodic function of 𝑥 and 𝑡. Hence their solution must involve trigonometric
terms. Accordingly the solution given by (6), 𝑖. 𝑒., of the form

𝑦 = 𝑐1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 (8)

is the only suitable solution of wave equation.

Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

1. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝒙 = 𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝒙 = 𝒍 is initially in a position
given by 𝒚 = 𝒚𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟑 𝝅𝒙/𝒍 . If it is released from rest from this position, find the
displacement, 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 .

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The equation of the vibrating string is = 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
The boundary conditions are 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0 (2)
𝜋𝑥
Also the initial conditions are 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 (3)
𝑙
𝜕𝑦
and =0 (4)
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

Since the vibration of the string is periodic, therefore, the solution of (1) is of the form

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡

By (2), 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 𝑐1 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 = 0

For this to be true for all time 𝑐1 = 0

Also by (2), 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡

𝑛𝜋
This gives 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋 𝑜𝑟 𝑝 = , 𝑛 being an integer.
𝑙

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡

Thus 𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑐𝑛𝜋
So that = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 .
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝜕𝑦 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋
𝐵𝑦 4 , = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐4 . = 0, 𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐4 = 0
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0 𝑙 𝑙

Thus (5), becomes

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Adding all such solutions the general solution of (1) is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑐𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (6)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Therefore from (3),

∞
3
𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥
3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑦0 𝑙 𝑙 = 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜋𝑥 + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜋𝑥 + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝜋𝑥 + ⋯
1 2 3
4 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

Comparing both sides, we have

3𝑦0 𝑦0
𝑏1 = , 𝑏2 = 0, 𝑏3 = − , 𝑏4 = 𝑏5 = ⋯ = 0
4 4
Hence from (6), the desired solution is

3𝑦0 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑦0 3𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑐𝑡

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
4 𝑙 𝑙 4 𝑙 𝑙

2. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points 𝒙 = 𝟎 and 𝒙 = 𝒍 is initially in a position
given by 𝒇 𝒙 . The initial velocity is zero, where

𝟐𝒌 𝒍
𝒙, 0≤𝑥≤
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒍 𝟐
𝟐𝒌 𝒍
𝒍−𝒙 , <𝑥<𝑙
𝒍 𝟐
Obtain the displacement at any point 𝒙 and any time 𝒕.

Solution: To find 𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 we have to solve

𝜕2𝑢 2
𝜕2𝑢
=𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Where 𝑢 0, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 (2)

𝑢 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 (3)

𝑢 𝑥, 0 = 𝑓 𝑥 , 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙 (4)

𝜕𝑢
= 𝑔 𝑥 = 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙 (5)
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

Let us assume the solution of (1) is of the form

𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑋 𝑥 𝑇 𝑡

The three solutions of (1) are

𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑒 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑐𝑝𝑡 (6)

𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐9 𝑥 + 𝑐10 𝑐11 𝑡 + 𝑐12 (7)

𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐6 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐7 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐8 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 (8)

Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

The solution appropriate to the present problem is (8) as the required solution
has to be periodic in 𝑥 and 𝑡. Hence the required solution is of the form

𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑥 + 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝐶 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝐷 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡

Using conditions (2) and (3), we note, as explained earlier.

𝑛𝜋
𝐴 = 0; 𝑝 = where 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, …
𝑙
The most general solution of (1) satisfying (2) and (3) is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝐶𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝐷𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (9)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Using condition (4)

𝑢 𝑥, 0 = 𝑓 𝑥 , 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝐶𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 ,0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙 (10)
𝑙
𝑛=1

Now we can expand the given function 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series
for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙.
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
We know that 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙
𝑛=1

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
Where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 (11)
𝑙 𝑙
0

Comparing (10) and (11), we have 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝐶𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

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

𝑙/2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
4𝑘 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 2
𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 0
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑙−𝑥 𝑙 − −1 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙/2

4𝑘 𝑙 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
= 2 . −𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2

𝑙 𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
− . −𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
2 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2

4𝑘 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
= 2 .2 . 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2
8𝑘 𝑛𝜋
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛2 𝜋 2 2
If 𝑛 = 2𝑚 (an even number), 𝐶2𝑚 = 0

8𝑘 𝑚
If 𝑛 = 2𝑚 + 1 (an odd number), 𝐶2𝑚 +1 = −1
2𝑚 + 1 2 𝜋 2

Thus all 𝐶𝑛 ′s are determined.

𝜕𝑢
Using = 𝑔 𝑥 = 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙, we have
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝐷𝑛 = 𝑔 𝑥 . 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 = 0 ∵ 𝑔 𝑥 = 0
𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑙
0

∞
8𝑘 −1 𝑚 2𝑚 + 1 𝜋𝑐𝑡 2𝑚 + 1 𝜋𝑥
Hence 𝑢 𝑥, 𝑡 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋 2𝑚 + 1 𝑙 𝑙
𝑚 =0

3. A string is stretched and fastened to two points 𝒙 = 𝟎 and 𝒙 = 𝒍apart. Motion is started
by displacing the string into the form 𝒚 = 𝒌 𝒍𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐 from which it is released at time
𝒕 = 𝟎. Find the displacement of any point on the string at a distance of 𝒙 from one end at
time 𝒕.

Solution: The wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
=𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
From the given problem, we get the following boundary conditions

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑖𝑖 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 , 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙

Now the correct solution (1) which satisfies our boundary conditions is given by

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

Applying condition 𝑖 in (1), we get

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

𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐1 = 0 and 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 ≠ 0

Putting 𝑐1 = 0 in (1) we get

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑥 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 (3)

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖 in (3), we get

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

Here 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑝𝑡 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑝𝑡 ≠ 0 ∵ it is defined for all 𝑡

Therefore either 𝑐2 = 0 or 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 = 0.

Suppose if we take 𝑐2 = 0 and already we have 𝑐1 = 0 then we get a trivial solution.

∴ we take 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑝𝑙 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑝= , 𝑛 being an integer
𝑙
Now substituting 𝑝 = 𝑛𝜋/𝑙 in (3), we get
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑐4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (4)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

Before applying condition 𝑖𝑖𝑖 , differentiating 3 partially with respect to ‘𝑡’.

𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡

= 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐4 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

Applying condition 𝑖𝑖𝑖 , we get

𝜕𝑦 𝑥, 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐
= 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐4 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝑙 𝑙
Here 𝑐2 ≠ 0 (already explained)
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ≠ 0 ∵ it is defined for all 𝑥
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑐
and ≠0 ∵ all are constants
𝑙
∴ 𝑐4 = 0

Therefore substituting 𝑐4 = 0 in (4), we get

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐2 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
= 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (5)
𝑙 𝑙
Where 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑐2 𝑐3

Since the partial differential equation (wave equation) is linear any linear
combination of solutions (or sum of the solutions) of the form (5) with 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, …. is a
solution of the equation (super position principle).

∴ The most general solution of (4) can be written as

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

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (6), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 (7)
𝑙
𝑛=1

To find 𝑐𝑛 expand 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 in a half-range Fourier sine series in the interval

0, 𝑙 .
∞
2
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (8)
𝑙
𝑛 =1

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

From (7) and (8), we get 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

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

2𝑘 −2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑛𝜋 2
= + ∵ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝜋 = 0
𝑙 𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑛3 𝜋 3
𝑙 3 𝑙3

4𝑘𝑙 2 𝑛
= 1 − −1
𝑛3 𝜋 3

0, if 𝑛 is even
2
= 8𝑘𝑙
, if 𝑛 is odd
𝑛3 𝜋 3

Substituting 𝑐𝑛 in (6), we get

∞
8𝑘𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1, 3, 5

4. A string is tightly stretched and its ends are fastened at two points 𝒙 = 𝟎 and 𝒙 = 𝒍. The
mid point of the string is displaced transversely through a small distance ‘𝒃’ and the
string is released from rest in that position. Find an expression for the transverse
displacement of the string at any time during the subsequent motion.

Solution: First the equation of the string in its initial position 𝐴𝐷𝐵 (see figure.)

The equation of the string (or line) 𝐴𝐷 is

𝑥−0 𝑦−0 𝑥 − 𝑥1 𝑦 − 𝑦1
= ∵ 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑏 and using =
𝑙
0−2 0−𝑏 𝑥1 − 𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑦2

𝑙
𝑖. 𝑒., −𝑏𝑥 = − 𝑦
2
2𝑏𝑥 𝑙
∴ 𝑦= ,0 < 𝑥 <
𝑙 2
Therefore the equation of the string in the interval 0, 𝑙/2 is 2𝑏𝑥/𝑙.

The equation of the string (or line) 𝐷𝐵 is

𝑙
𝑥− 𝑦−𝑏
2
𝑙 =
−𝑙 𝑏−0
2
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝑙 𝑙
𝑖. 𝑒., −𝑏 𝑥 − 2 = − 2 𝑦 − 𝑏 𝑦
𝐷 𝑙/2, 𝑏
𝑏𝑙 − 2𝑏𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑦−𝑏 =
𝑙
𝑏
𝑏𝑙 − 2𝑏𝑥
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑦= +𝑏
𝑙 𝑙/2 𝑙/2
𝐴 0, 0 𝐶 𝐵 𝑙, 0 𝑥
2𝑏
∴ 𝑦= 𝑙−𝑥
𝑙
2𝑏
Therefore the equation of the string in the interval 𝑙/2, 𝑙 is 𝑙−𝑥 .
𝑙

Hence initially the displacement of the string is in the form

2𝑏𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑙 2
2𝑏 𝑙
𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝑙
𝑙 2
Now the wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
From the given problem, we get the following boundary conditions

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0 for every 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

2𝑏𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<
𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑙 2
2𝑏 𝑙
𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝑙
𝑙 2
The solution of the wave equation (1) satisfying the boundary conditions 𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖 and
𝑖𝑖𝑖 is
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 [Refer to Example 3 ]
𝑙 𝑙
The most general solution is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (2), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (3)
𝑙
𝑛=1

2𝑏𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<
where 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑙 2
2𝑏 𝑙
𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝑙
𝑙 2
Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand the function 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series in the
interval 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙.
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
Then 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (4)
𝑙
𝑛=1

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

From (3) and (4), we get 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑙/2 𝑙
2 2𝑏𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2𝑏 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑙 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙/2

𝑙/2
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
4𝑏 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 0
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑙−𝑥 𝑙 + 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙/2

4𝑏 −𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋
= 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2 2𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛 𝜋 2

4𝑏 2 𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
= 2 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 2

8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
= 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛 𝜋 2
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

8𝑏 𝑛𝜋
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑛 𝜋 2
Substituting (5) in the most general solution (2), we get
∞
8𝑏 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛 𝜋 2 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛 =1

𝒍
5. A taught string of length 𝒍 has its ends 𝒙 = 𝟎, 𝒙 = 𝒍 fixed. The point where 𝒙 = is
𝟑
𝝏𝟐 𝒚 𝝏𝟐 𝒚
drawn aside a small distance 𝒉, the displacement 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 satisfies = 𝒄𝟐 𝝏𝒙𝟐 . Determine
𝝏𝒕𝟐
𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 at any time 𝒕.

Solution: First we find the equation of the string in its initial position.

The equation of the line (or string) 𝑂𝐵 is 𝑦 𝑙

𝐵 ,𝑕
3
𝑥−0 𝑦−0
=
𝑙
0−3 0−𝑕
𝑕
−3𝑥 −𝑦
𝑖. 𝑒., =
𝑙 𝑕
(0, 0) 𝐴(𝑙, 0) 𝑥
3𝑥𝑕
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑦=
𝑙
∴ The equation of the string in its initial position in 0, 𝑙/3 is 𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑕/𝑙.

The equation of the line (or string) 𝐵𝐴 is

𝑙
𝑥−3 𝑦−𝑕
=
𝑙 𝑕−0
3−𝑙
3𝑥 − 𝑙 𝑦 − 𝑕
𝑖. 𝑒., =
−2𝑙 𝑕
3𝑕
𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑦= 𝑙−𝑥
2𝑙
𝑙 3𝑕
∴ The equation of the string in its initial position in , 𝑙 is 𝑦 = 𝑙−𝑥 .
3 2𝑙

Now the wave equation is

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦
= 𝑐 (1)
𝜕𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

From the given problem, we get the following boundary conditions

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑡 > 0

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0 for every 𝑥 in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

3𝑕𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<
𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑙 3
3𝑕 𝑙
𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝑙
2𝑙 3
The solution of the wave equation (1) satisfying the boundary conditions 𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖 and
𝑖𝑖𝑖 is
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 [Refer to Example 3 ]
𝑙 𝑙
The most general solution is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (2), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (3)
𝑙
𝑛=1

3𝑕𝑥 𝑙
, 0<𝑥<
where 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑙 3
3𝑕 𝑙
𝑙−𝑥 , <𝑥<𝑙
2𝑙 3
Now to find 𝑐𝑛 expand the function 𝑓 𝑥 in a half-range Fourier sine series in the
interval 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙.
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
Then 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (4)
𝑙
𝑛=1

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

From (3) and (4), we get 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛

Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑙/3 𝑙
2 3𝑕𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 3𝑕 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑙 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 2𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙/3

𝑙/3
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
6𝑕 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 2
𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 0

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
3𝑕 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑙−𝑥 𝑙 + 𝑙
𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙/3

𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2𝑙 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
6𝑕 − 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 3𝑕 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3
= 2 𝑛𝜋 + 2 2 + 2 𝑛𝜋 + 2 2
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 𝑙 𝑛 𝜋
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2

9𝑕 𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2 3

9𝑕 𝑛𝜋
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 (5)
𝑛 𝜋 3
Substituting (5) in the most general solution (2), we get

∞ 9𝑕 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐 𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑛 =1 𝑛 2 𝜋 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
3 𝑙 𝑙

6. An elastic string is stretched between two points at a distance 𝝅 apart. In its

equilibrium position the string is in the shape of the curve 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 − 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟑 𝒙 .
𝝏𝟐 𝒚 𝝏𝟐 𝒚
Obtain 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒕 the vertical displacement if 𝒚 satisfies the equation = 𝒄𝟐 𝝏𝒙𝟐 .
𝝏𝒕𝟐

Solution: The wave equation is

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

𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0

𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝜋, 𝑡 = 0
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑖𝑖 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑘 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥

The most general solution of the wave equation (1) satisfying the boundary conditions
𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖 and 𝑖𝑖𝑖 is
∞

𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑛𝑡 (2)

𝑛=1

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (2), we get

∞

𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝑥 = 𝑘 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑥

𝑛=1

1
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑥 + 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝑥 + ⋯ = 𝑘 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝑥
4
𝑘
𝑖. 𝑒., 𝑐1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑥 + 𝑐3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝑥 + ⋯ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝑥 (3)
4
Equating like coefficients on both sides of (3), we get

𝑘 𝑘
𝑐1 = , 𝑐2 = 0, 𝑐3 = , 𝑐4 = 𝑐5 = ⋯ = 0
4 4
Substituting these values in (2), we get

𝑘 𝑘
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3𝑡
4 4

7. 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 = 𝒌𝒙𝟐 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: 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
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

𝜕𝑦
𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0, 𝑥 is in 0, 𝑙
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑥 2 𝑙 − 𝑥 , 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙

The most general solution of the wave equation (1) after applying conditions 𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖
and 𝑖𝑖𝑖 is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (2), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (3)
𝑙
𝑛=1

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

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

From (3) and (4), we get 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛

𝑙 𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑘𝑥 2 𝑙 − 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 0

𝑙
2𝑘 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑙𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙
0

𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
2𝑘 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑙𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 𝑙 − 2𝑙𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 𝑙
𝑙 𝑛𝜋 2
𝑛 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2
𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 2𝑙 − 6𝑥 𝑙 + −6 𝑙
3
𝑛 𝜋 3 𝑛 𝜋2
2

𝑙3 𝐿2 0

2𝑘 𝑙3
= × 3 3 −4𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑛𝜋 − 2𝑙
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

−4 𝑘 𝑙 3 𝑛
= 3 3 1 + 2 −1
𝑛 𝜋
−4 𝑘 𝑙 3 𝑛
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 3 3 1 + 2 −1 (5)
𝑛 𝜋
Substituting (5) in the most general solution (2), we get
∞
−4 𝑘 𝑙 3 𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 1 + 2 −1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛3 𝜋 3 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛 =1

8. The points of trisection of a string are pulled aside through the same distance on
opposite sides of the position of equilibrium and the string is released form rest. Derive
an expression for the displacement of the string at subsequent time and show that the
mid-point of the string always remains at rest.

Solution: Let 𝐵 and 𝐶 be the points of the trisection of the string 𝑂𝐴 = 𝑙 . Initially the
string is held in the form 𝑂𝐵 ′ 𝐶 ′ 𝐴 where 𝐵𝐵 ′ = 𝐶𝐶 ′ = 𝑎, say.

The displacement 𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 of any point of the string is given by

𝜕2𝑦 2
𝜕2𝑦 𝑌 𝑙
2
= 𝑐 2
(1) 𝐵′ , 𝑎
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 3

and the boundary conditions are

𝐶
𝑖 𝑦 0, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0 𝑂 𝐵 𝐴 𝑋
𝑖𝑖 𝑦 𝑙, 𝑡 = 0, ∀ 𝑡 > 0

𝜕𝑦 2𝑙
𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0, 𝑥 is in 0, 𝑙 𝐶′ , −𝑎
3
𝜕𝑡 𝑡=0

The remaining condition is that at 𝑡 =0, the string rests in the form of the broken
line 𝑂𝐵 ′ 𝐶 ′ 𝐴.

The equation of 𝑂𝐵 ′ is 𝑦 = 3𝑎/𝑙 𝑥;

2𝑎 𝑙 3𝑎
the equation of 𝐵 ′ 𝐶 ′ is 𝑦−𝑎 =− 𝑥 − , 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑦 = 𝑙 − 2𝑥
𝑙 3 𝑙
3
3𝑎
and the equation of 𝐶 ′ 𝐴 is 𝑦= 𝑥−𝑙
𝑙
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

Hence the fourth boundary condition is

3𝑎 𝑙
𝑥, 0≤𝑥≤
𝑙 3
3𝑎 𝑙 2𝑙
𝑖𝑣 𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑙 − 2𝑥 , ≤𝑥≤
𝑙 3 3
3𝑎 2𝑙
𝑥−𝑙 , ≤𝑥≤𝑙
𝑙 3
The most general solution of the wave equation (1) after applying conditions 𝑖 , 𝑖𝑖
and 𝑖𝑖𝑖 is
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2)
𝑙 𝑙
𝑛=1

Applying the boundary condition (iv) in (2), we get

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑦 𝑥, 0 = 𝑐𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 , say (3)
𝑙
𝑛=1

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

𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
where 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝐿 𝑙
0

From (3) and (4), we get 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑐𝑛

𝑙 2𝑙
3 3 𝑙
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙 2𝑙
3 3

𝑙 2𝑙
3 3 𝑙
2 3𝑎𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 3𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥 3𝑎 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑙 − 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 − 𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
0 𝑙 2𝑙
3 3

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 3
6𝑎 −𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 0
Dr B Rama Bhupal Reddy(KSRMCE kadapa) IIIB

2𝑙/3
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑙 − 2𝑥 𝑙 − −2 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙/3

𝑙
𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
−𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝑠𝑖𝑛
+ 𝑥−𝑙 𝑙 −1 𝑙
𝑛𝜋 𝑛2 𝜋 2
𝑙 𝑙2 2𝑙/3

6𝑎 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 2𝑛𝜋 2𝑙 2 2𝑛𝜋
= 2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 3𝑛𝜋 3 𝑛 𝜋 3 3𝑛𝜋 3 𝑛 𝜋 3
2
𝑙 𝑛𝜋
+ 𝑐𝑜𝑠
3𝑛𝜋 3
2𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 2𝑛𝜋 𝑙2 2𝑛𝜋
+ 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛 𝜋 3 3𝑛𝜋 3 𝑛 𝜋 3

6𝑎 3𝑙 2 𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋
= 2 . 2 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑙 𝑛 𝜋 3 3
18𝑎 𝑛𝜋 𝑛
2𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛
𝑛𝜋
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 1 + −1 ∵ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝜋 − = − −1 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑛2 𝜋 2 3 3 3 3
0, when 𝑛 is odd
∴ 𝑐𝑛 = 36𝑎 𝑛𝜋 (5)
2 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 , when 𝑛 is even
𝑛 𝜋 3
Substituting (5) in the most general solution (2), we get
∞
36𝑎 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑐𝑡
𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛2 𝜋 2 3 𝑙 𝑙
𝑛 =2, 4, 6