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Fourier heat transfer problem.

  1. Sep 10, 2008 #1
    I need help understanding what a math problem is asking for. Its a fourier heat transfer problem but it just isn't making any sense to me and I don't know what the author is asking for.

    The heat flux through the faces at the ends of a bar is found to be proportional to un = [tex]\partial[/tex]u/[tex]\partial[/tex]n at the ends. Show that if the bar is perfectly insulated, also at the ends x = 0, x = L, (adiabatic conditions) and the initial temperature is f(x), then

    ux(0,t) = 0 ux(L,t) = 0 u(x,0) = f(x)

    2. Relevant equations

    u(x,t) = Ao + [tex]\sum[/tex]An cos(n[tex]/pi[/tex]x/L exp[ -(cn[tex]/pi[/tex]/L)2 t]

    3. The attempt at a solution

    Am I suppose to assume that the initial temp (f(x)) is at x = 0 for this problem and I have to prove that there is no heat flux at both ends of the rod? Or do I assume that the temperature can be what ever at any point of the rod because it wont matter since the heat flux at the ends is 0?

    I hate math texts, its like they write in a different language.
  2. jcsd

Can you help with the solution or looking for help too?

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