This tool illustrates the Fourier Series approximation of heat dissipation in an insulated wire with ends at fixed temperatures.

Select the initial heat distribution by clicking one of the Initial Condition checkboxes. Grab the sliders or drag the purple endpoint temperature indicators to select endpoint temperatures.

The steady state solution and any combination of the first four Fourier terms can be displayed, and the heat distribution is shown in white.

Click or drag the t slider to see the dissipation at time t, select [>>] to animate, or [<] or [>] to increment t.

When the animation is not running, rolling the cursor over the graphing window causes cross-hairs and a readout of the coordinates to be displayed. During the animation, a click on the window halts the animation.

 

© 2001 H. Hohn