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The sine vectors $v_j^{(m)}=\sin (j{\theta }_m)$, ${\theta }_m=m\pi /J$, simultaneously diagonalize these two symmetric tridiagonal matrices. Their eigenvalues areThus the semidiscrete decay rates are ${\lambda }_m=6(1-\cos {\theta }_m)/[h^2(2+\cos {\theta }_m)]$. The Forward Euler method multiplies each mode by $1-k{\lambda }_m$. Stability requires $0\le k{\lambda }_m\le 2$ for every mode.

For a fixed finite Dirichlet grid the largest mode is ${\theta }_{J-1}=\pi -\pi /J$. Consequently the exact finite-grid bound isAs the mesh is refined, the upper bound decreases to $1/6$. Hence the mesh-independent answer is $\boxed{0\le \mu \le 1/6}$. This is the forward Euler limit for a consistent hat mass matrix. The frequently seen $1/2$ diffusion bound belongs to the standard second-difference scheme or a lumped mass matrix, and is not the bound for the consistent Galerkin equations derived here.