PHYS 211 Lecture 30 Wave Equation Lecture 30 Wave Equation Text: Symon, Mechanics, Chap.

30 - 1

The approach to the wave equation taken by Fowles and Cassiday uses Lagranges equation to solve the coupled oscillator problem. Although Hamiltons principle and Lagranges equation are covered in the supplementary lectures to this course, we dont have time to include these topics in 13 weeks of regular lectures. Hence, we deviate from the course text, and use a somewhat more classical approach based on continuum mechanics. The method and notation are from Symons book on mechanics, frequently used as a third year textbook. Equation for a vibrating string Consider a string of mass m and minimum length L subject to a tension . At equilibrium, the string is taken to lie along the x-axis. For simplicity, we consider the displacements u(x) of the string from equilibrium to lie in a plane. Thus, a configuration of the string is described by the continuous function u(x): u(x) x

L The string has been deliberately drawn to be non-sinusoidal just to emphasize that its shape can be arbitrary. The displacements are taken to be small enough that the mass per unit length of the string, even when displaced from u = 0, is a constant given by = m /L. (1) For an arbitrary shape, the tension has both a longitudinal and a transverse component, the latter given by sin , u = where is the angle between the x-axis and a tangent to the string. When sin tan , is small,

For a small change in position dx along the string, as in the diagram du tan = du /dx dx

2002 by David Boal, Simon Fraser University. All rights reserved; further copying or resale is strictly prohibited.

PHYS 211 Lecture 30 Wave Equation

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Hence,
u

tan =

( u / x).

The notation indicates partial derivatives, anticipating that the displacement depends on both x and t. To find the equation of motion of the string, we apply Newtons law to a small mass element m of the string, where m = x. The net vertical force experienced by m is equal to the sum of the vertical forces at each end of the mass element. That is F = [ u]x + x [ u]x = [ ( u / x)]x + x [ ( u / x)]x. (2) NOTE: the minus sign is necessary because the tension produces opposing forces (), but u always has the same sense of direction. By taking the derivative of ( u / x), Eq. (2) can be written as u F = x . x x

(3)

Eq. (3) must be augmented if there is an external force such as gravity acting on the string (see Symon, pg. 296). Such forces are not considered here. The result of the force is to accelerate the mass element according to Newtons law, which reads 2 u (4) F = m a = ( x ) 2 . t Combining Eqs. (3) and (4) gives 2u u = 2 t x x or
2

u
2

u x2

(5)

The combination

/ has the dimensions of [velocity]2, and we establish below that it is (6) (7)

indeed the speed of the wave squared. Defining c 2 = /, the wave equation reads: 2 2 u u 2 . =c 2 t x2 (wave equation)

2002 by David Boal, Simon Fraser University. All rights reserved; further copying or resale is strictly prohibited.

PHYS 211 Lecture 30 Wave Equation Solution of the wave equation

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The form of the wave equation suggests a method for finding its solution. The function u(x,t) obviously depends on both position and time, but Eq. (7) separates the rate of change with respect to time from that with respect to position. This suggests the "separation of variables" approach, in which the function u(x,t) is written as a product of two individual functions that depend on x and t separately: u(x,t) = (t) X(x). With this replacement, Eq. (7) becomes d 2(t) d 2X(x) . X (x ) = c 2 (t) 2 dx 2 dt Dividing by (t) X(x) gives 1 d 2(t) 1 d 2X (x ) . =c2 2 2 (t ) dt X(x ) dx Now, we see that LHS does not depend at all on x RHS does not depend at all on t, so that NEITHER side can depend on x or t, but must be a constant; define this as Thus 1 d 2(t) = 2 (t ) dt
2

c 2 d 2X (x) = X (x ) dx 2

(8)

Not unexpectedly, each of these equations looks like a simple-harmonic-oscillator type of problem. We solve them in turn: Time-dependence Rewrite the first part of Eq. (8) to read d 2(t) = 2(t), 2 dt which has the solution (t) = A cos t + B sin t.

A and B are arbitrary constants.

Position-dependence Same approach as with time-dependence 2 d 2 X(x ) = 2 X (x ), dx 2 c which has the solution x x . C and D are arbitrary constants X (x ) = C cos +D sin c c

(9)

2002 by David Boal, Simon Fraser University. All rights reserved; further copying or resale is strictly prohibited.