Hello All,
I have a question related to the fascinating topic of "Boundary Layer Theory".
Take for example the simple equation
mx'' + kx' + cx = 0 where k and c are finite constants and (m -> 0), (The derivative sign (') is by t)
x(0) = 0
x'(0) = A > 0.
In order to achieve a comprehension on what's going on near the point t = 0 when (m -> 0), it is suggested to take the change of variables t* = t/m.
By that the former equation becomes,
x'' + kx' + mcx = 0 (Now, the derivative sign (') is by t*). Now, moving into the limit or alternatively noticing that mcx is negligible, we can drop it and we get,
x'' + kx' = 0 and now the solution is fairly easy.
Books call this solution: "The inner solution" of the equation, since this solution describes the solution inside a boundary layer.
My question is as follows:
The idea of taking the change of variables t* = t/m, is just a mathematical trick or does it have a meaning (e.g. streching of the time scale, etc.)?
If it has a meaning, i'd like to know its intuition.
Best,
Miki