Applications of First and Second Order Linear
Differential Equations in Engineering
Introduction
Differential equations are crucial in modeling and analyzing various engineering systems.
First-order and second-order linear differential equations are applied in electrical circuits,
mechanical systems, fluid dynamics, and control systems. This document explores their
applications and provides practical examples.
1 First Order Linear Differential Equations
A first-order linear differential equation has the general form:
dy
+ P (x)y = Q(x)
dx
where:
• y: Dependent variable
• x: Independent variable
• P (x): Coefficient function of y
• Q(x): Forcing function or non-homogeneous term
Solution Method
1. Compute the integrating factor (IF):
R
P (x) dx
IF = e
2. Multiply the equation by IF and apply the product rule:
dy
IF · + IF · P (x)y = IF · Q(x)
dx
3. Integrate and solve for y:
Z
IF · y = IF · Q(x) dx + C
where C is the integration constant.
1
1.1 Applications
• Electrical Circuits: Analyzing RL circuits with Kirchhoff’s voltage law:
di
L + Ri = V (t)
dt
where:
– i: Current (A)
– L: Inductance (H)
– R: Resistance (Ω)
– V (t): Applied voltage (V)
• Population Dynamics:
dP
= kP
dt
where:
– P : Population size
– k: Growth or decay rate
Sample Questions and Solutions (First Order)
1. Question: A population triples every 3 hours. Find its size after 5 hours if the
initial population is 100.
Solution: The equation is:
dP
= kP =⇒ P (t) = P0 ekt
dt
Given P (3) = 3P0 , so:
ln 3
3P0 = P0 e3k =⇒ k =
3
After 5 hours:
5 ln 3
P (5) = 100e 3 ≈ 100 × 4.64 = 464
2. Question: In an RL circuit with R = 10 Ω, L = 2 H, and V = 5 V , find the current
i(t).
Solution:
di di 5
2 + 10i = 5 =⇒ + 5i =
dt dt 2
5t
Integrating factor IF = e :
Z
5t 5 5t 5
e i= e dt + C = e5t + C
2 10
1
i(t) = + Ce−5t
2
2
3. Question: A chemical decomposes at a rate proportional to its concentration. If
40% decomposes in 2 hours, how much remains after 6 hours?
Solution:
dC
= −kC =⇒ C(t) = C0 e−kt
dt
Given C(2) = 0.6C0 :
ln 0.6
0.6C0 = C0 e−2k =⇒ k = −
2
After 6 hours:
C(6) = C0 e−3 ln 0.6 = C0 (0.6)3 = 0.216C0
2 Second Order Linear Differential Equations
The general form is:
d2 y dy
2
+ P (x) + Q(x)y = R(x)
dx dx
2.1 Applications
• Mechanical Vibrations:
d2 x dx
m 2
+ c + kx = F (t)
dt dt
• RLC Circuits:
d2 q dq q
L + R + = E(t)
dt2 dt C
Sample Questions and Solutions (Second Order)
1. Question: An RLC circuit has R = 5 Ω, L = 0.5 H, C = 0.01 F . A voltage of 10 V
is applied. Find the charge q(t).
Solution:
d2 q dq
0.5 2
+ 5 + 100q = 10
dt dt
Solving, we obtain:
q(t) = Ae−20t + Be−10t + 0.1
Introduction
Formulating differential equations from real-world scenarios is a valuable skill for engi-
neering students. The following questions are designed to help practice translating verbal
problems into mathematical models using differential equations.
3
Practice Questions
1. Population Dynamics: A city’s population grows at a rate proportional to its
current population. After 5 years, the population has doubled. Task: Formulate a
differential equation to represent the population growth and find its general solution.
2. Mixing Problem: A tank initially contains 100 liters of pure water. Brine con-
taining 0.5 kg of salt per liter flows into the tank at a rate of 5 liters per minute, and
the mixture flows out at the same rate. Task: Formulate a differential equation for
the amount of salt in the tank at any time t.
3. Heating and Cooling: A metal object is heated to 100°C and placed in a room
with a constant temperature of 25°C. The rate of cooling of the object is propor-
tional to the difference between its temperature and the room’s temperature. Task:
Formulate a differential equation describing this cooling process.
4. RL Circuit: In an RL circuit, a resistor of 10 Ω and an inductor of 2 H are
connected in series with a battery supplying 20 V . Task: Formulate a differential
equation that models the current i(t) in the circuit.
5. Spring-Mass System: A mass of 2 kg is attached to a spring with a spring con-
stant of 8 N/m. If the damping constant is 4 N s/m, and the system is subjected to
an external force of 10 sin(2t) N , Task: Formulate a differential equation describing
the displacement x(t) of the mass.
Conclusion
These equations are essential for modeling real-world engineering problems. Their appli-
cations span multiple disciplines, providing valuable insights for engineers.
