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tesi R. Valiante.pdf - EleA@UniSA

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28<br />

Another solution to the wave equation is given by D’Alembert and it is<br />

reported in Eq.1.16.<br />

( x,<br />

t)<br />

f ( x − c t)<br />

+ g(<br />

x + c t)<br />

y 0<br />

0<br />

= (1.16)<br />

This equation satisfies Eq.1.8 for any arbitrary function f and g, as long as<br />

the initial and boundary conditions can eventually be satisfied. The functions f<br />

and g represent propagating disturbance. Whatever the initial shape of the<br />

disturbances, that shape is maintained during the propagation, so the waves<br />

propagate without distortion, as represented in Fig.1.5. The undistorted nature of<br />

wave propagation represents a fundamental characteristic of the one-dimensional<br />

wave equation.<br />

Fig. 1.5 - Undistorted propagation of wave envelope<br />

1.7.2. STRING ON AN ELASTIC BASE – DISPERSION<br />

The wave equation Eq.1.8 considered up to this point is simple. Moreover,<br />

in the system described by this equation, the pulses propagate without<br />

distortions. Now, a more complicated situation, in which the string rests on an<br />

elastic foundation, is considered. This situation is represented in Fig.1.6.

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