Method of Images - Green's Function

In summary, the method of images is used to find a Green's function for a problem involving a homogenous boundary condition. The distance between two points is represented as r and the Green's function is found to be G = (1/2π) ln|r-x0|. However, there is uncertainty if this is the correct method of images.
  • #1
OliviaB
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Use the method of images to find a Green's function for the problem in the attached image.

Demonstrate the functions satisfies the homogenous boundary condition.
 

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  • #2
It's taken me ages, and I really am struggling to understand this, so I am not sure if this is correct but here goes...

[tex]\bigtriangledown^2 G = \delta(\underline{x} - \underline{x}_0)[/tex] [tex]\frac{\partial G(x,0)}{\partial y} = 0[/tex] for [tex]y \geq 0 \ - \infty < x < \infty[/tex]

Let [tex]r = |\underline{x} - \underline{x}_0 | = \sqrt{(x - x_0)^2 + (y - y_0)^2}[/tex]

be the distance between [tex]\underline{x}[/tex] and [tex]\underline{x}_0[/tex]

Then [tex]\bigtriangledown^2 G = \delta(\underline{x} - \underline{x}_0)[/tex] becomes

[tex]\bigtriangledown^2 G = \frac{1}{r} \frac{\partial}{\partial r} \Big( r \frac{\partial}{\partial r} \Big) = 0[/tex]

everywhere (although not at [tex]r = 0[/tex]) and subject to

[tex]\iint\limits_{\infty} \bigtriangledown G dV = \iint\limits_{\infty} \delta (0) dV = 1[/tex]

which gives

[tex]G(r) = A \ln r + B[/tex]

[tex]A = \frac{1}{2 \pi}[/tex]

Choosing [tex]B = 0[/tex]

[tex]G = \frac{1}{2 \pi} \ln r = \frac{1}{2 \pi} \ln |\underline{x} - \underline{x}_0|[/tex]

I don't think this is the method of images though...(Headbang)
 

1. What is the Method of Images?

The Method of Images is a mathematical technique used to solve boundary value problems in physics and engineering.

2. How does the Method of Images work?

The Method of Images involves creating a set of "imaginary" sources or charges to mimic the behavior of the actual sources or charges in a given boundary value problem. This allows us to use known solutions for simpler problems to solve more complex problems.

3. When is the Method of Images commonly used?

The Method of Images is commonly used in electrostatics, electromagnetism, and fluid mechanics problems with boundary conditions. It is also used in image processing and computer graphics to create reflections and virtual objects.

4. What is Green's function in the Method of Images?

Green's function is a fundamental concept in the Method of Images. It is a mathematical function that describes the response of a system to a point source or point charge at a given location. In the Method of Images, the Green's function is used to calculate the response of the system to the "imaginary" sources.

5. What are the advantages of using the Method of Images?

The Method of Images is advantageous because it allows for the solution of complex boundary value problems by reducing them to simpler problems. It also provides a physical and intuitive understanding of the problem and can be applied to a wide range of fields, making it a versatile and useful tool for scientists and engineers.

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