Change of variable (2nd order ODE)

In summary, the conversation was about changing the variables in a second order differential equation involving a dependent variable ##\theta## and independent variable ##q##. The person was trying to solve the ODE for all values of ##\tau## at ##z=0.01L## and used the expressions ##q=\sqrt{\frac{z\tau'}{LT_R}}## and ##\tau'=T'(1-e^{\frac{-\tau}{T'}})##. They are skeptical about the correctness of their solution and are looking for help in verifying it. They also discussed the possibility of using numerical methods to solve the equation.
  • #1
TheCanadian
367
13
Hi there, I was just trying to perform a change of variable on a differential equation as shown below. The original second order ODE is written in terms of a dependent variable ## \theta ## and independent variable ##q##. I have used the expression ## q = \sqrt{\frac{z\tau'}{LT_R}} ## and ##\tau' = T'(1-e^{\frac{-\tau}{T'}}) ## (where ##z## and ##\tau## are also independent variables, while ##L, T',## and ##T_R## are known constants). I am only considering the case of ##z = 0.01L## and am thus only solving this equation for a varying ##\tau##. (In this case, ##\tau## is a purely real and positive number.) I have posted my work below to transform the second order ODE into a function of ##t## instead of ##q##. (I may have used ##t## and ##\tau## interchangeably out of bad habit--my apologies if this causes confusion.) If you could possibly check it to see if there are any errors, that would be greatly appreciated as I'm still a little uncertain if I've applied the chain rule correctly in certain parts.

(My apologies if this is the wrong section to post such question, although this is not homework.)
Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 12.07.03 PM.png
Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 12.08.24 PM copy.png
Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 12.09.11 PM.png
Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 12.09.36 PM.png


The final solution I get (it is partially cut in the last image) is:

$$ 100e^{\frac{2t}{T''}}(1-e^{\frac{-t}{T''}})[(1 + \frac {e^{\frac{-t}{T''}}}{2(1-e^{\frac{-t}{T''}})}) \frac {d\theta}{dt} + T'' \frac {d^2\theta}{dt^2} ] + 50e^{\frac{t}{T''}}\frac {d\theta}{dt} = sin(\theta) $$

which can also be expressed as:

$$ 100T''(e^{\frac{2t}{T''}}-e^{\frac{t}{T''}}) \frac {d^2\theta}{dt^2} + 50e^{\frac{t}{T''}}[(e^{\frac{t}{T''}}-1)(2+ \frac {1}{e^{\frac{t}{T''}}-1}) + 1]\frac {d\theta}{dt} = sin(\theta) $$

which is equivalent to:

$$ 100T''(e^{\frac{2t}{T''}}-e^{\frac{t}{T''}}) \frac {d^2\theta}{dt^2} + 100e^{\frac{2t}{T''}}\frac {d\theta}{dt} = sin(\theta) $$
 
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  • #2
Hi,
It looks like some oscillation with attenuation.
Can you set the problem? And what is your purpose?
 
  • #3
Irene Kaminkowa said:
Hi,
It looks like some oscillation with attenuation.
Can you set the problem? And what is your purpose?

I am trying to solve the ODE:

$$ \frac {d^2 \theta}{dq^2} + \frac {1}{q} \frac {d \theta}{dq} = sin(\theta) $$

at ## z = 0.01L ## for all ##\tau##. I know ## q = \sqrt{\frac{z\tau'}{LT_R}} ## and ##\tau' = T'(1-e^{\frac{-\tau}{T'}}) ## and so have applied the above change of variables to the initial ODE. This is all being done to find ##\theta## at ## z = 0.01L ## for all ##\tau## so that I can use this as a boundary condition for another problem I am working on that involves modelling an electric field propagating in a homogenous medium. For more context, page 32 from "Super-radiance multi atomic coherent emission" by Benedict et al. may help. But it is all once again being done essentially to find ##\theta## at an early ##z## for the entire ##\tau## domain to use as a boundary condition for further equations which are found in the aforementioned textbook. I couldn't use ## z = 0## since this makes ##q = 0## for all time. I am just skeptical if my solution is exactly correct since if I rearrange the above equation with just ##\frac {d^2 \theta}{d\tau^2}## isolated, then I have to divide by 0 in the case ##\tau = 0##, but this is a physical situation and I wouldn't expect this to happen.
 
  • #4
If T' = const then it is not a good choice of the name. T0 could be better.
I'd like to specify, whether
$$\tau' = T'\left ( 1-e^{\frac{\tau}{T'}} \right )$$
means something like
$$\frac{d \tau}{dt} = T_0\left ( 1-e^{\frac{\tau}{T_0}} \right )$$
?
 
  • #5
Irene Kaminkowa said:
If T' = const then it is not a good choice of the name. T0 could be better.
I'd like to specify, whether
$$\tau' = T'\left ( 1-e^{\frac{\tau}{T'}} \right )$$
means something like
$$\frac{d \tau}{dt} = T_0\left ( 1-e^{\frac{\tau}{T_0}} \right )$$
?

Ahh sorry for the confusion. I was following the same notation from where I got the equations; ##T'## is constant and ##\tau'## is not the derivative but rather just another symbol used to denote it is different from ##\tau##
 
  • #6
Ah, now I see. You do want to change the variables in your equation )
May I ask, what are you going to do next? Find analitical solutions? Or numerical ones?
 
  • #7
Irene Kaminkowa said:
Ah, now I see. You do want to change the variables in your equation )
May I ask, what are you going to do next? Find analitical solutions? Or numerical ones?

Numerical solutions
 
  • #8
Then, it is not necessary to change the variables. Your can try RK4 right on these data.
 
  • #9
Irene Kaminkowa said:
Then, it is not necessary to change the variables. Your can try RK4 right on these data.

Fair enough, I will certainly implement that. Although I am still interested in obtaining the expression for the second order DE in terms of ##\tau##.
 

Related to Change of variable (2nd order ODE)

What is a change of variable in the context of a 2nd order ODE?

A change of variable in the context of a 2nd order ODE involves substituting one variable for another in order to transform the equation into a more manageable form.

Why is a change of variable useful in solving 2nd order ODEs?

A change of variable can simplify the equation, making it easier to solve by hand or with numerical methods. It can also reveal underlying patterns or symmetries in the equation.

What are some common examples of changes of variables used in 2nd order ODEs?

Some common examples include substitution of a trigonometric function for a linear function, substitution of a power series, or using a transformation to convert the equation into a separable form.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using a change of variable in solving 2nd order ODEs?

While a change of variable can make an equation easier to solve, it may also introduce additional complexity or result in a more difficult equation to solve. Additionally, some equations may not be amenable to certain types of changes of variables.

How can I determine the appropriate change of variable to use in a 2nd order ODE?

The appropriate change of variable to use will depend on the specific equation and your goals for solving it. It may involve trial and error or a deep understanding of the underlying mathematics and techniques for solving ODEs.

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