B3.18
Consider the initial value problem
to be solved for , subject to the initial conditions
for in the Schwarz space . Use the Fourier transform in to obtain a representation for the solution in the form
where should be determined explicitly. Explain carefully why your formula gives a smooth solution to (1) and why it satisfies the initial conditions (2), referring to the required properties of the Fourier transform as necessary.
Next consider the case . Find a tempered distribution (depending on ) such that (3) can be written
and (using the definition of Fourier transform of tempered distributions) show that the formula reduces to
State and prove the Duhamel principle relating to the solution of the -dimensional inhomogeneous wave equation
to be solved for , subject to the initial conditions
for a function. State clearly assumptions used on the solvability of the homogeneous problem.
[Hint: it may be useful to consider the Fourier transform of the tempered distribution defined by the function .]