The function θ(x,t) obeys the diffusion equation
∂t∂θ=D∂x2∂2θ
Verify that
θ(x,t)=t1e−x2/4Dt
is a solution of (∗), and by considering ∫−∞∞θ(x,t)dx, find the solution having the initial form θ(x,0)=δ(x) at t=0.
Find, in terms of the error function, the solution of (∗) having the initial form
θ(x,0)={1,0,∣x∣⩽1∣x∣>1
Sketch a graph of this solution at various times t⩾0.
[The error function is
Erf(x)=π2∫0xe−y2dy.]