A wave disturbance satisfies the equation
∂t2∂2ψ−c2∂x2∂2ψ+c2ψ=0
where c is a positive constant. Find the dispersion relation, and write down the solution to the initial-value problem for which ∂ψ/∂t(x,0)=0 for all x, and ψ(x,0) is given in the form
ψ(x,0)=∫−∞∞A(k)eikxdk
where A(k) is a real function with A(k)=A(−k), so that ψ(x,0) is real and even.
Use the method of stationary phase to obtain an approximation to ψ(x,t) for large t, with x/t taking the constant value V, and 0⩽V<c. Explain briefly why your answer is inappropriate if V>c.
[You are given that
∫−∞∞exp(iu2)du=π1/2eiπ/4.]