ONE DIMENSIONAL HEAT FLOW

Let heat flow along a bar of uniform cross-section, in the detection perpendicular to the
cross-section. Take one end of the bas as origin and the direction of heat flow us along
𝑥-axis.
Let the temperature of the bar at any time 𝑡 a at point 𝑥 distance from the origin be
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
𝑢 (𝑥, 𝑡 ). Then the equation of one-dimensional heat flow is = 𝑐 2 𝜕𝑥 2 .
𝜕𝑡

SOLITON OF THE HEAT EQUATION

𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
The heat flow is = 𝑐 2 𝜕𝑥 2 … … … . (1)
𝜕𝑡
Let 𝑢=𝑋𝑇 … … … . (2)
Where 𝑋 = 𝑋(𝑥), 𝑇 = 𝑇(𝑡) be a solution of (1)
𝜕𝑢 𝑑𝑇 𝜕2𝑢 𝑑2 𝑋
Then =𝑋 and = 𝑇 𝑑𝑥 2
𝜕𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
𝑑𝑇 𝑑2 𝑋
Substituting in(1) , we have 𝑋 = 𝑐 2 𝑇 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑇 𝑑2 𝑋
2 1 1 𝑑𝑇 1 𝑑2 𝑋
Separating the variables, we get 𝑇 = 𝑑𝑡
𝑐 2 𝑑𝑥𝑋
or 𝑇 𝑐 2 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑋 𝑑𝑥 2 … … … . (3)
Now the LHS of (3) is a function of 𝑥 only and the RHS is a function of 𝑡 only. Since 𝑥
and 𝑡 are independent variables, this equation can hold only when both sides reduce to
a constant, say 𝑘. The equation (3) leads to the ordinary differential equations. i.e.;
1 1 𝑑𝑇 1 𝑑2 𝑋
= 𝑋 𝑑𝑥 2 = 𝑘
𝑇 𝑐2 𝑑𝑡
1 1 𝑑𝑇 1 𝑑2 𝑋
⟹ = 𝑘 and =𝑘
𝑇 𝑐 2 𝑑𝑡 𝑋 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑇 𝑑2 𝑋
⟹ − 𝑘𝑐 2 𝑇 = 0 and 𝑑𝑥 2 − 𝑘𝑋 = 0 … … … . (4)
𝑑𝑡
Solving equations (4) ,we get
2 2
(i) When 𝑘 is positive and 𝑘 = 𝑝2 ,say 𝑋 = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 , 𝑇 = 𝑐3 𝑒 𝑐 𝑝 𝑡
2 2
(ii) When 𝑘 is positive and 𝑘 = −𝑝2 ,say 𝑋 = 𝑐1 cos 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 sin 𝑝𝑥 , 𝑇 = 𝑐3 𝑒 − 𝑐 𝑝 𝑡
(iii) When 𝑘 = 0 ,say 𝑋 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 𝑥 , 𝑇 = 𝑐3
Thus, the various possible solutions of the heat equation (1) are:
2 2
𝑢 = (𝑐1 𝑒 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑝𝑥 ) 𝑐3 𝑒 𝑐 𝑝 𝑡 … … … . (5)
− 𝑐 2𝑝2 𝑡
𝑢 = (𝑐1 cos 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 sin 𝑝𝑥 ) 𝑐3 𝑒 … … … . (6)
𝑢 = (𝑐1 + 𝑐2 𝑥 ) 𝑐3 … … … . (7)
Of these three solutions, we have to choose that solution which is consistent with the
physical nature of the problem. Since 𝑢 decreases as time 𝑡 increases, the only suitable
solution of the heat equation is
2 2
𝑢 = (𝑐1 cos 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑐2 sin 𝑝𝑥 ) 𝑐3 𝑒 − 𝑐 𝑝 𝑡
Solution (5) is rejected since 𝑢 → ∞ as 𝑡 → ∞,
Also, solution (7) is rejected as it gives a non-zero temperature at all times
INHOMOGENEOUS BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Now consider the case where the ends of a rod are kept at constant temperatures
different from zero.
𝜕𝑢 𝜕 2𝑢
Consider the IBVP, 𝜕𝑡 = 𝜕𝑥 2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿, 𝑡 > 0
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 𝛼, 𝑢(𝐿, 𝑡) = 𝛽; 𝑡 ≥ 0 → boundary conditions
𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥) → initial conditions
To convert the inhomogeneous boundary conditions to homogeneous boundary
conditions, we use the following transformation formula:

𝛽−𝛼
𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = [𝛼 + ( ) 𝑥] + 𝑣(𝑥, 𝑡)
𝐿

We can easily show that now 𝑣 (𝑥, 𝑡) will be governed by the INVP:
𝜕𝑣 𝜕2𝑣
= 𝜕𝑥 2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿, 𝑡 > 0
𝜕𝑡
𝑣 (0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑣 (𝐿, 𝑡) = 0; 𝑡 ≥ 0 → boundary conditions
𝛽−𝛼
𝑣(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥 ) − [𝛼 + ( 𝐿 ) 𝑥] → initial conditions
𝑣(𝑥, 𝑡)Can now easily be found using method of separation of variables.
Consequently 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) can readily be obtained as a final result.

EXERCISE

Q.1 Solve the following boundary value problem which arises in the heat conduction
𝜕𝑢 𝜕 2𝑢 𝑥
in rod: = 𝑐 2 𝜕𝑥 2 , 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0 , 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 100 𝑙
𝜕𝑡

𝑐2𝑛2 𝜋2
200 (−1)𝑛+1 − 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 𝑙2 sin
𝜋 𝑛 𝑙

𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
Q.2 Determine the solution of one dimensional heat equation = 𝑐 2 𝜕𝑥 2 subject
𝜕𝑡
condition 𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝑙, 𝑡) = 0(𝑡 > 0) and the initial condition 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥 , 𝑙 being
the length of the bar.
𝑐2𝑛2 𝜋2
2𝑙 (−1)𝑛+1 − 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 𝑙2 sin
𝜋 𝑛 𝑙

𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
Q.3 Solve = 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 , given that (i) 𝑢 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑙 for all 𝑡
𝜕𝑡

𝜋𝑥
(ii) 𝑢 = 3 sin ,when 𝑡 = 0 for all 𝑥 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑙.
𝑙

𝑎2 𝜋2
− 𝑡 𝜋𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 3 𝑒 𝑙2 sin 𝑙
Q.4 (a) Find by the method of separation of variables the solution of 𝑈 (𝑥, 𝑡) of the
𝜕𝑈 𝜕2 𝑈
boundary Value problem : = 3 𝜕𝑥 2 , 𝑡 > 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 2
𝜕𝑡

𝑈(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑈 (2, 𝑡) = 0 , 𝑈(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥 , 0 < 𝑥 < 2

3𝑛2 𝜋2
4 (−1)𝑛+1 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝜋 ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒− 4
𝑡
sin
𝑛 2

(a) The ends A and B of a rod 30 cm long have their temperatures kept at 20°𝐶 and
80°𝐶 respectively until steady-state conditions prevail, The temperature of the
end B is suddenly reduced to 60°𝐶 and kept so while at the end A temperature is
raised to 40°𝐶. Find temperature distribution in the rod at time t.
𝑛𝜋 2
2 (−1)𝑛 +2 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans.𝑢 (𝑥, 𝑡) = 20 + 2𝑥 + 𝜋 ∑∞
𝑛=1{ 𝑛
} 𝑒 − ( 30 ) 𝑡
sin 30
Q.5 An insulated rod of length 𝑙 has its ends A and B maintained at 𝑂°𝐶 and
100°𝐶 respectively until state condition prevails. If B is suddenly reduced to
𝑂°𝐶 and maintained at 𝑂°𝐶, find the temperature a distance 𝑥 from A at time 𝑡,
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
solve the equation of heat = 𝑐 2 𝜕𝑥 2
𝜕𝑡
by the method of separation of variables and obtain the solution.
𝑛+1 𝑐2𝑛2 𝜋2
200 (−1) − 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 𝑙2 sin
𝜋 𝑛 𝑙
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
Q. 8 Solve = 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 under the conditions .
𝜕𝑡
𝑢′ (0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢 𝜋, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑡 > 0 , 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑥 2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝜋
′(

𝜋2 (−1) 𝑛 𝑎2 𝑛2 𝑡
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = + 4 ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒− cos 𝑛𝑥
3 𝑛2
Q.9 A uniform rod of length 𝑎 whose surface is thermally insulated is initially at
temperature 𝜃 = 𝜃0 . At time 𝑡 = 0, one end is suddenly cooled to 𝜃 = 0 and
subsequently maintained at this temperature, the other end remains thermally
insulated. Find the temperature 𝜃 (𝑥, 𝑡).
𝑐2(2𝑛−1)2 𝜋2
4 𝜃0 1 − 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝜃 (𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 𝑎2 sin ( )
𝜋 2𝑛−1 𝑎
𝜕𝑢 𝜕 2𝑢
Q.10 Solve = 𝑎2 𝜕𝑥 2 under the conditions
𝜕𝑡
(i) 𝑢 ≠ ∞ 𝑖𝑓 𝑡 → ∞ (ii) 𝑢′ (0, 𝑡) = 𝑢′ (𝑙, 𝑡) = 0; (iii) 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑙𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑎2(2𝑛) 2 𝜋2
𝑙2 𝑙2 −1 𝑡 2𝑛 𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = − 𝜋2 ∑∞
𝑛=1 (2𝑛)2 𝑒 𝑙2 cos ( )
6 𝑙
Q.11 The temperature distribution in a bar of length 𝜋 which is perfectly insulated
at the ends 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝜋 is governed by the partial differential equation
𝜕𝑢 𝜕 2𝑢
= 𝜕𝑥 2 . Assuming the initial temperature as 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑥, find the
𝜕𝑡
temperature distribution at any instant of time.
 Ans. 𝑢 = 𝑒 4𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑥
Q.13 The heat flow in a bar of length 10 cm of homogeneous material is
𝜕𝑢 𝜕 2𝑢
governed by the partial differential equation = 𝑐2 . The ends of the bar are
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 2
kept at temperature 0°C, and the initial temperature is 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 (10— . 𝑥) Find
the temperature in the bar at any instant of time.
𝜕𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
Q.14 (i) Solve: 𝜕𝑡 = 𝑐 𝜕𝑥 2 ; 𝑐 constant, subject to the boundary conditions
𝑢(0, 𝑡) = 0, 𝑢(𝜋, 𝑡) = 0 and the initial condition 𝑢(𝑥, 0) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑥.
Ans. 𝑢 = 𝑒 −4 𝑐 𝑡 sin 2𝑥
(ii) Find the temperature distribution in a rod of length 2 m whose end points are
fixed at temperature zero and the initial temperature distribution is 𝑓(𝑥) = 100𝑥.
𝑛+1 3𝑛2 𝜋2
400 (−1) − 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans. 𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 4 sin
𝜋 𝑛 2
Q.15 Find the temperature distribution in a rod of length 𝜋 which is to totally
insulated including the ends and the initial temperature distribution is 100 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥.
Ans. 𝑢 = 100𝑒 −𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
Q.16 A bar of 10 cm length with insulated sides A and B are kept and 20°𝐶 and
40°𝐶 reapectively until steady state conditions prevail. The temperature at A is
then suddenly varied to 50°𝐶 and the same instant at B, lowered at 10°𝐶. Find
the subsequent temperature at any point of the bar at any time.
𝑛𝜋 2
120 (−1)𝑛 −( ) 𝑡 𝑛𝜋 𝑥
Ans.𝑢(𝑥, 𝑡) = 50 − 4𝑥 − ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑒 10 sin
𝜋 𝑛 10
Q.17 Find the temperature in a bar of length 2 whose ends are kept at zero and lateral
𝜋𝑥 5𝜋𝑥
surface insulated if the initial temperature is sin 2
+ 3 sin 2
.

𝜋𝑐 2 5𝜋𝑐 2
𝜋𝑥 5𝜋𝑥
Ans. U(x, t) = 𝑒 − ( 2
) 𝑡
sin + 3 𝑒− ( 2
) 𝑡
sin
2 2