The Diffusive Behavior of Solutions to the Linear Damped Wave Equation: an Undergraduate D.I.Y. Classnote

Abstract

Despite of the fact that the Damped Wave and the Heat equations describe phenomena of distinct nature, it is amazing that their solutions are related in the limit as $t \to \infty$. The aim of this note is to explain to undergraduate students, with a good calculus background, how the relation between these solutions is established. We follow a ``do it yourself'' strategy and the students are invited to do the suggested exercises in order to understand the content of this note.