Problem 27
Question
We use $$U(x, s)=c_{1} e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}+c_{2} e^{\sqrt{s+h} x}$$ The condition \(\lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} u(x, t)=0\) implies \(\lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} U(x, s)=0,\) so we take \(c_{2}=0 .\) Therefore $$U(x, s)=c_{1} e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}$$ The Laplace transform of \(u(0, t)=u_{0}\) is \(U(0, s)=u_{0} / s\) and so $$U(x, s)=u_{0} \frac{e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}}{s}$$ and $$u(x, t)=u_{0} \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\\{\frac{e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}}{s}\right\\}=u_{0} \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\\{\frac{1}{s} e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}\right\\}$$ From the first translation theorem, $$\mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\\{e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x}\right\\}=e^{-h t} \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\\{e^{-x \sqrt{s}}\right\\}=e^{-h t} \frac{x}{2 \sqrt{\pi t^{3}}} e^{-x^{2} / 4 t}$$ Thus, from the convolution theorem we obtain $$u(x, s)=\frac{u_{0} x}{2 \sqrt{\pi}} \int_{0}^{t} \frac{e^{-h \tau-x^{2} / 4 \tau}}{\tau^{3 / 2}} d \tau$$
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedKey Concepts
Inverse Laplace Transform
This process is particularly crucial when dealing with complex systems and stability analysis.
For instance, in our exercise, we apply the inverse Laplace transform to find the time-dependent function from its Laplace transform representation. It's apparent in the step where we find \( u(x, t) = u_{0} \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\{ \frac{1}{s} e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x} \right\} \). We utilize known inverse transforms like \( \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\{ e^{-x \sqrt{s}} \right\} \), making this approach systematic and efficient.
Convolution Theorem
In practice, convolution allows us to integrate over a parameter to include the effects of distributed processes over time or space.
A straightforward example from our problem is obtaining the final form of \( u(x, t) \) by utilizing the convolution theorem. We integrated over \( \tau \), which effectively folded one function over another, thereby concluding with a neatly integrated expression for \( u(x, t) \). The result, \( \frac{u_{0} x}{2 \sqrt{\pi}} \int_{0}^{t} \frac{e^{-h \tau - x^{2}/4 \tau}}{\tau^{3 / 2}} d\tau \), beautifully illustrates how convolution simplifies otherwise complex calculations.
Translation Theorem
This theorem is prominently used in our exercise to handle the term \( e^{-\sqrt{s+h} x} \). By using the translation theorem, we break down this expression into simple parts which can be inversely transformed easily. This theorem simplifies handling equations that involve shifts, particularly beneficial when tackling differential equations or control systems with delays or shifts in time.
Differential Equations
In the context of our example problem, differential equations govern the behavior of a system modeled by the function \( u(x, t) \). By applying Laplace transforms to these equations, they become algebraic equations. Once solved, inverse transforms revert them back to their original domain, allowing us to find solutions like \( u(x, t) \). This method provides a powerful mechanism to solve complex differential equations step by step.
Successful application of these concepts, from setting up equations to using transforms, aids in understanding and solving problems within mathematics and physics efficiently.