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FACULTY OF DEPARTMENT OF
SCIENCE MATHEMATICS
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
CERTIFICATION
This long essay entitle ’second order linear ordinary differential equation
and their application to the study of problems in physics’ has been
submitted to the department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science,
University of Buea, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for a B.sc in
Mathematics. The work was carried out by FOUTSE YUEHGOH.
i
DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to the FOUTSE FAMILY.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
iii
Abstract
Here, we are concerned with the establishment of the existence and unique-
ness of solutions of second order linear differential equations, and how they
can be used to interpret physical problems. We started by introducing sec-
ond order linear equations, then established a theorem for the existence and
uniqueness of a solution to second order linear initial value problem, and
proved the theorem considering existence, uniqueness and continuous depen-
dence of the solution on the initial conditions. Furthermore, we exhibit five
problems from physics that can be modelled using second order linear dif-
ferential equations, giving details on the physical aspects with the help of
diagrams to show some practical occurrences and then we give an interpre-
tation of some results. Finally, we make a critical stability analysis of the
equilibrium solutions on one of the problems and demonstrate it graphically.
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Modelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
i
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1
where p, q, r, and g are given continuous functions in some interval a < x < b
containing the points x0 and y0 , y00 , which are arbitrary prescribed initial
values. Any differentiable function y = ψ(x), satisfying Eq.(1.1) for all x
in some interval (a, b) is called the solution of Eq.(1.1) and our objective
is to determine whether such functions exist. Unfortunately, for arbitrary
functions p, q, r, g, there is no general method for solving the equation in
terms of elementary functions. Before we look at how to solve this prob-
lem, we need to address the following question: ”What constitute a properly
formulated problem? ”This question will be answered by the theorem we
are going to state and prove subsequently. The importance of that theorem
lies in the fact that, it defines the framework within which we can construct
solutions. These equations serves as a mathematical model, to describe or
predict a physical aspect, this shall be demonstrated in chapter three. But
before then, let us understand what modelling is all about.
1.1 Modelling
In constructing future mathematical models, we have to recognize that each
problem is different, and that successful modelling is not a skill that can be
reduced to the observation of a set of prescribed rules. Indeed, constructing
a satisfactory model may sometimes be the most difficult part of the prob-
lem. Nevertheless, it may be helpful to list some steps that are often part of
the process. The art of mathematical modelling can thus be subdivided into
three phases:
2
The work is organised as follows. Chapter two is concerned with the
establishment of the theorem, and it’s proof. In chapter three, we shall
see how differential equations are used to model problems in physics
such as simple mass-spring system in free vibration, simple damped
mass-spring system in free vibration, resonant vibration, electric cir-
cuit and electric motor. They often serve as mathematical models that
can be used to describe and make predictions about physical systems.
In the last chapter, we will make a critical analysis on the equilibrium
solution of one of the problem in chapter three.
3
Chapter 2
2.1 Introduction
These equations are of crucial importance in the study of differential equa-
tions for two main reasons: First, linear equations have a rich theoretical
structure that establishes a number of systematic methods of solution. Fur-
ther, a substantial portion of this structure and these methods are under-
standable at a fairly elementary mathematical level. Secondly, they are vital
to any serious investigation of the classical areas of mathematical physics.
One cannot go very far in the development of fluid mechanics, heat conduc-
tion, wave motion, or electromagnetic phenomena without finding it neces-
sary to solve second order linear differential equations.
A second order linear ordinary differential equation has the form of Eq.(1.1),
where p(x) 6= 0. We can divide Eq.(1.1) by p(x) and obtain:
4
where f (x) = 0 is called the homogeneous equation corresponding to the non
homogeneous equation Eq.(2.1). In discussing Eq.(2.1) and trying to solve
it, we will restrict ourselves to intervals in which u, v, and f are continuous
functions.
Observe that the initial conditions for a second order equation prescribes
not only a particular point (x0 , y0 ) through which the graph of the solution
must pass, but also the slope y00 of the graph at that point. It is reasonable
to expect that two initial conditions are needed for a second order equation
because, roughly speaking, two integrations are required to find a solution
and each integration introduces an arbitrary constant. Hence, the two ini-
tial conditions will suffice to determine the values for these two constants.
Consequently, we should anticipate that to obtain a unique solution, it is
necessary to specify 2 conditions for example, the value of the solution y0
and its derivative y00 at the point x0 , referred to as initial conditions as is
the case in Eq.(1.1) above. Thus to determine uniquely an integral curve of
a second order equation, it is necessary to specify not only a point through
which it passes, but also the slope of the curve at the point. Now, let us
consider a general second order initial value problem in the form
5
Notice that the theorem gives us three conclusions
This theorem gives us the framework within which we will work. The proof
of this theorem can be done in two ways. One can try to prove the theorem
directly by considering the second order equation or else convert the second
order equation into a system of first order equations. We will use the later
strategy.
2.2.1 EXISTENCE
Existence of a solution to an equation of type (2.4) is governed by the con-
dition that the functions v(t), u(t), f (t) are continuous. [4] Consider the
following second order linear differential equation
where v(t), u(t), f (t) be continuous functions on the interval (a, b) and x0 is
in (a, b). Now, let us convert Eq(2.5) in to a system of first order equations.
Let x1 = y, and x2 = y 0
that is,
6
where
0
x1 0 −1 x1
X~0 (t) = , ~ =
A(t) , ~ =
X(t) ,
x2 u(t) v(t) x2
~ = 0 y0
b(t) , y0 ~(t0 ) = .
f (t) y00
Note that, if y(t) is a solution to (2.5) then the vector-valued function
~ y
X=
y0
is a solution to (2.7). Conversely, if the vector
~ = x 1
X
x2
is a solution to (2.7) then x01 = x2 . Hence
x001 + v(t)x01 + u(t)x1 = f (t)
which means that x1 is a solution to (2.5).
To carry out the method of integrating factor successfully to equation (2.7)
requires that we have
Rx 0 Rx Rx
A(s)ds A(s)ds 0 A(s)ds
e x0
X(s) = e x0 X (s) + A(s)e x0 X(s), (2.8)
7
The above system implies u(x), v(x) are constant functions. Thus, one can
prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to second order linear differ-
ential equations with constant coefficients using the method of integrating
factor. The closed form of the solution is
Z x
−(x−x0 )A
X(t) = e X(0) + e(x−x0 )A
e−(t−x0 ) b(t)dt.
x0
Illustration
Here, we will do the illustration using an example. Let us apply the method
of integrating factor described above to solve the initial value problem
y 00 − y = 0, y(0) = 1, y 0 (0) = 0.
In this problem, v(t) = 0, u(t) = −1. So
~ 0 −1 0 −1
A(t) = = .
u(t) v(t) −1 0
Hence, Z t
0 t
− Adt = .
0 t 0
Now, one can easily see that for any non-negative odd integer n we have
Z t n
0 tn
− Adt = ,
0 tn 0
and for non-negative even integer n
Z t n n
t 0
− Adt = .
0 0 tn
We know that ex = ∞ xn
P
n=0 n! . Thus,
P∞ t2n P∞ t(2n+1) !
− 0t A(s)ds
R
n=0 (2n)! n=0 (2n+1)! cosh(t) sinh(t)
e = P∞ t(2n+1) P∞ t2n = ,
n=0 n=0
sinh(t) cosh(t)
(2n+1)! (2n)!
and,
cosh(t) sinh(t) 1
X(t) = ,
sinh(t) cosh(t) 0
From this we obtain the unique solution y(t) = cosh(t).
We conclude from the above discussion that the method of integrating factor
works for first order systems with constant coefficients. Does this extension
works for any first order linear systems? We tackle this problem next.
8
Integrating factor method for first order linear systems
Here we show that the extended integrating factor method also works for
first order linear systems. Consider the initial value problem
where
a11 a12
A(t) = .
a21 a22
For the integrating factor method to work we need
Rt Rt ! Rt Rt !
a11 a12 t
a 11 ds t
a 12 ds t
a 11 ds t
a 12 ds a11 a12
. Rt 0 Rt0 = Rt0 Rt0
.
a21 a22 a ds t0 a22 ds
t0 21
a ds t0 a22 ds
t0 21
a21 a22
The integrating factor is successful here provided that either a11 ,a12 ,a21 ,a22
are constants or a11 =a22 and a21 =a12 , that is, the system matrix A is sym-
metric.
9
2.2.2 UNIQUENESS
Here, we proof the existence of a unique solution to equation (2.4). To this
end, we consider the differential equation c.f. [6]
y 00 (x) + h1 (x)y 0 (x) + h0 (x)y(x) = g(x). (2.9)
Let h1 (x), h0 (x), and g(x) be defined on an open interval J. Assume that
for any finite closed subinterval [x1 , x2 ] of J, there exist a constant M such
that
| h0 (x) |≤ M and | h1 (x) |≤ M ∀x ∈ [x1 , x2 ] (2.10)
Suppose x0 ∈ J and u(x), v(x) are 2 different solutions of (2.9) such that
u(x0 ) = v(x0 ), and u0 (x0 ) = v 0 (x0 ), that is u(x) and v(x) are functions de-
fined on J, which has two continuous derivatives and satisfies the differential
equation (2.9) we show that u(x) ≡ v(x), ∀x ∈ J
Proof:
Let w(x) = u(x) − v(x).
Then by substituting it in (2.9) we have the following:
10
(2|w0 ||w|) ≤ (w0 )2 + (w)2 , since (|w| − |w0 |) ≥ 0
Thus,
−(1 + 3M )z(x) ≤ z 0 (x) ≤ (1 + 3M )z(x).
Let k = (1 + 3M ). Hence we have shown that
11
2.2.3 CONTINUOUS DEPENDENCE OF THE SO-
LUTION ON THE INITIAL VALUES
Consider the following second order differential equation transformed into a
system of first order differential equations. [2]
~ +−
X~0 (t) = A(t)X(t)
→
b(t), t ∈ I := (a, b) (2.17)
Where A(t) is a 2 × 2 continuous matrix, and X(t) ~ is the vector function
on the interval I := (a, b). We will show that solutions to the equations
of the type (2.17) is defined on the hold interval I. But before, let us state
Gronwall’s inequality which we will subsequently use.
Hence,
Z t Z t
~ ~ ~
~
ϕ(t) ≤ ϕ(t0 ) + A(s)ϕ(s)ds + b(s)ds
.
t0 t0
12
~ ~
K = ϕ(t ) + max
0 |{z} b(t) (β2 − β1 )
Let t∈I 0
L |{z} |A(t)|
=max
t∈I 0
|t − t0 | ≤ |β2 − β1 |
Hence, Z t
~
~
ϕ(t) ≤ K + L |ϕ(s)|ds .
t0
13
Chapter 3
DESCRIPTION OF SOME
PHYSICAL PROBLEMS
THAT CAN BE MODELLED
BY LINEAR SECOND
ORDER EQUATIONS
Introduction
14
Figure 3.1: Physical demonstration of a simple mass-spring system in free
vibration [7]
Mathematical formulation
Consider the diagram in figure 3.2. We assume that there is no air
resistance to the motion. The spring is hung freely and deflects upon
attaching a mass m on it. Then a small instantaneous push-down is applied
to the mass and released quickly. We can expect the mass to bounce down
and up passing its initial equilibrium position.
15
Equilibrium forces acting on the mass at given time t satisfies Newton’s
first law of motion, which state’s that ”every object will remain at rest or in
uniform motion in a straight line unless coupled to change its state by the
action of an external force”
Hence,
X
+↓ [−F (t) − Fs + W ] = 0,
where + ↓ means the downward direction is taken to be positive.
But dynamic and spring force equals:
2
F(t)=m d dty(t)
2 , Fs =k [h + y(t)].
Hence we then have,
d2 y(t)
−m − k [h + y(t)] + mg = 0,
dt2
but mg = kh from the static equilibrium condition.
So,
d2 y(t)
−m − k [h + y(t)] + kh = 0.
dt2
Hence we have the following second order differential equation for the
instantaneous position y(t) of the vibrating mass,
d2 y(t)
m + ky(t) = 0.
dt2
Which is the same as,
d2 y(t) k
+ y(t) = 0. (3.1)
dt2 m
We observe that, Since k = spring constant (a property of the spring) and
k
m = mass of the vibrating solid, then the equivalent coefficient m is a
positive real number. Hence it is continuous as a constant function.
Therefore our theorem guarantee’s to us that (3.1) has a unique solution.
Solution
The solution to (3.1) can be obtained by comparing it to the second order
differential equation
d2 y(t) dy(t)
2
+ v(t) + u(t)y(t) = 0,
dt dt
k
where v(t) = 0, u(t) = m .
16
The common expression of the solution to (3.1) is
17
3.2 Simple damped mass-spring system in
free vibration
What makes free-vibration of a mass-spring system to stop after some time
t in reality is the damping effect. This is a more realistic phenomenon.
Some of the sources of damping in mechanical vibrations include, resistance
by the air surrounding the vibrating mass, and internal friction of the
spring, during deformation. [7]
Figure 3.4: air cylinder with adjustable air vent to regulate the air resistance
[7]
Mathematical Formulation
The corresponding damping force is related to air resistance to the
movement of the mass. The resistance R is proportional to the velocity of
the moving mass. Thus, Mathematically, we have:
18
Figure 3.5: Real world application with coil-overs in motorcycle suspension
[7]
dy(t)
R(t) ∝ ,
dt
where y(t) is the distance the mass has travelled from its initial equilibrium
position.
Thus the damping force R(t), is of the form
dy(t)
R(t) = c , (3.2)
dt
Where c = damping coefficient.
The mathematical expression of this physical model can be obtained by
following similar procedure for the simple mass-spring, with the inclusion of
the additional damping force.
Newton’s first law in dynamic equilibrium gives:
X
+↓ Fy = −F (t) − R(t) − Fs + W = 0,
2
Fs =k [h + y(t)], F(t)=m d dty(t)
2 .
19
Figure 3.6: Mathematical modelling of damped mass-spring system in free
vibration [7]
d2 y(t) c dy(t) k
2
+ + y(t) = 0. (3.3)
dt m dt m
We can compare it with
d2 y(t) dy(t)
2
+ v(t) + u(t)y(t) = g(t), (3.4)
dt dt
where v(t) = mc , u(t) = m
k
and g(t) = 0 which are all constant functions,
hence continuous functions. By our theorem stated in chapter two,
equation (3.3) has a solution, it is unique and will depend continuously on
the initial conditions when given.
Solution
The solution to (3.3) depend on the signs of the discriminators, we then
analyse thedifferent cases as follows
2
Case 1: mc − 4 m k
> 0 (this is an over-damping situation) with solution:
√
( c
) t Ωt Ωt
4mk − c2
y(t) = e 2m Ae + Be , Ω= .
2m
2
Case 2: mc − 4 m k
= 0 (this situation is called critical damping) with
solution: c
y(t) = e( 2m )t (A + Bt) .
20
c 2 k
Case 3: m
−4 m
< 0 (this situation is called under damping)with
solution:
√
c
−( 2m )t 4mk − c2
y(t) = e (AcosΩt + sinΩt) , Ω= .
2m
Where A and B are arbitrary constants.
Observations
21
Figure 3.9: CASE 3 [7]
Practical occurrences
Resonance vibration of machines or structures occurs when subjected to
cyclic loads, it is a Forced Vibration, with forces acting to the vibrating
solids at all times. Thus the consequence of resonant vibration is that, the
amplitude of the oscillatory motion of the structure continues to magnify in
short time, hence resulting in an overall structure failure [7]. The diagrams
below shows some occurrences of resonant vibration in the real world .
22
Figure 3.10: Occurrences of Resonance [7]
d2 y(t)
m + ky(t) = F (t) (3.5)
dt2
23
if we assume F(t) in (3.5) is of cyclic nature following a cosine nature, that
is
F (t) = F0 cosωt,
F0 = Maximum magnitude of the force
And ω = circular frequency of the applied circular force. F (t) is displayed
graphically as in figure
(4) became
d2 y(t)
m + ky(t) = F0 cos ωt
dt2
or
d2 y(t) F0 k
2
+ ω02 y(t) = cos ωt; ω02 = (3.6)
dt m m
We see that, comparing it with equation (3.4), we have that v(t) = 0,
u(t) = ω02 and g(t) = Fm0 cos ωt are continuous as constant function and
product of 2 continuous functions respectively. Hence the solution to (3.6)
exists and it is unique. Also, it will depend continuously on the initial
conditions.
Solution
This is a non-homogeneous second order differential equation which has as
general solution:
y(t) = yh (t) + yp (t)
where yh (t) is obtained from the homogeneous part of (5) as such:
d2 yh (t) k
2
+ yh (t) = 0
dt m
24
To have:
yh (t) = c1 cosω0 t + c2 sinωo t
yp (t) is obtained from the non-homogeneous part of (3.6) as follows:
yp (t) = Acosω0 t + Bsinωt
We differentiate it twice, substitute it in (3.6) and solve for A and B to get,
F0
yp (t) = cosωt.
m(−ω 2 + ω02 )
Hence the general equation is:
F0
y(t) = c1 cosω0 t + c2 sinωo t + cosωt,
m(−ω 2 + ω02 )
c1 and c2 are constants which can be determined by specifying the initial
conditions.
Now if ω = ω0 , then y(t) → ∞.
This means amplitude of vibration goes to infinity instantly at all times,
which is not physically possible. Hence an alternative solution needs to be
derived for such a case. This is done below as follows:
Since ω = ω0 , we can then write
d2 y(t) k F0
2
+ y(t) = cosω0 t
dt m m
and,
yh (t) = c1 cosω0 t + c2 sinω0 t
yp (t) has cosω0 t which is the same as that on the non-homogeneous part,
thus
yp (t) = t(Acosω0 t + Bsinω0 t)
hence we have,
F0
yp (t) = tsinω0 t
2mω0
Thus the general equation became
F0
y(t) = c1 cosω0 t + c2 sinω0 t + tsinω0 t
2mω0
25
Figure 3.13: Amplitude fluctuation of the vibrating mass [7]
Mathematical Modelling
Consider the diagram in figure 3.14. [8]
26
Figure 3.14: A simple electric circuit [8]
They are all positive and are assumed to be known constants. The
impressed voltage E (measured in volts) is a given function of time.
Another quantity that enters in the discussion is the total charge Q
(measured in coulombs) on the capacitor at time t.
The relationship between charge and current is given by
dQ
I= . (3.7)
dt
The flow of current in the circuit is governed by Kirchhoff’s second law
which says that: ”In a closed circuit, the impressed voltage is equal to the
sum of the voltage drops in the rest of the circuit.”
According to the elementary law of electricity, we know that:
The voltage drop across the resistance is IR.
The voltage drop across the capacitor is Q C
.
dI
The voltage drop across the inductor is L dt .
Hence, by Kirchhoff Law,
dI 1
L + RI + Q = E(t). (3.8)
dt C
The units have been chosen so that: 1 volt = 1 ohm, 1 ampere = 1
coulomb/1 farad = 1 henry.1 ampere/1 second. Substituting for I from
27
(3.7), we obtain the differential equation
1
LQ00 + RQ0 + Q = E(t), (3.9)
C
for the charge Q. The initial conditions are
Thus we must know the charge on the capacitor and the current in the
circuit at some initial time t0 .
Alternatively, we can obtain a differential equation for the current I by
differentiating (3.9) with respect to t, and substitute for dQ
dt
from (3.7) and
obtain the following result:
1
LI 00 + RI 0 + I = E 0 (t), (3.11)
C
with initial conditions,
28
Figure 3.15: A schematic diagram of an electric motor [3]
capacitor and the inductor, and momentum is stored in the rotor. Three
state variables are needed if we are interested in the motor speed [3].
Storage can be represented by the current I through the rotor, the voltage
V across the capacitor and the angular velocity ω of the rotor. The control
signal is the voltage E applied to the motor. The output for the system is
the motor speed ω.
A momentum balance for the rotor gives
dω
J + Dω = kI,
dt
and Kirchoff’s laws for electricity gives
dI dω dV
E = RI + L +V −k , I=C .
dt dt dt
Introducing the state variables x1 = ω, x2 = V , x3 = I and the control
variable u = E, the equations for the motor can be written as
d2 V Ck 2
dV kDω
CL 2 + CR − +V + = E,
dt dt J J
which is the same as
d2 V Ck 2 1 dV
V kDω 1
+ CR − + = E− . (3.14)
dt2 J CL dt CL J CL
This is a second order linear differential equation with constant coefficients,
hence according to our theorem, it has a solution which is unique, and
would depend continuously on the initial conditions when given. This is so
since constant functions are continuous.
29
Chapter 4
CRITICAL STABILITY
ANALYSIS OF THE
EQUILIBRIUM SOLUTION
30
the system and using Hooks law (which state’s that ”the restoring force of a
spring is directly proportional to a small displacement”) to model the
spring, we have
mp00 + bp0 + kp = f (t), (4.1)
where m, is the mass, b, the coefficient of viscous friction, k, the spring
constant, f, the applied force and p the displacement. Now let us compute
the response of the system to an input of f (t) = A sin ωt. We now have
31
Figure 4.2: Asymptotically stable improper node
we have real and equal negative eigenvalues, hence the critical point is
asymptotically stable singular node.
CASE 3: When ∆ > 0,
we have distinct real eigenvalues, hence the critical point is an improper
node which is asymptotically stable if the eigenvalues are negative, else it is
unstable. Thus we have a saddle point. If both eigenvalues are negative,
the saddle is an asymptotically stable point, else it is unstable. The
straight lines directed along the eigenvalues V1 , V2 are called separatrices.
These are the asymptotes of other phase trajectories that have the form of
a hyperbola. Each separatrices can be associated with a certain direction of
32
Figure 4.4: Saddel [5].
33
CONCLUSION
34
Bibliography
35