Problem with Sturm-Liouville equation

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In summary, the conversation is about converting a generation equation to the form of a Sturm-Liouville equation. The equation is in the form of a(x)y'' + b(x)y'(x) + [c(x) + (LAMBDA)d(x)]y(x) = o and the goal is to format it in y'' + ... form. If b(x) = a'(x), then the equation is already in Sturm-Liouville form. If not, the equation needs to be multiplied by some \mu(x) so that it becomes a(x)\mu(x)y'' + b(x)\mu(x)y'(x) + [c(x) + (\lambda(x))d(x)]\mu(x)y(x
  • #1
Transcend
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Hi there :rofl: .
I'm having troubles at a point in one Sturm-Liouville problem :grumpy: .

I am trying to convert a generation eqn to the form of a Sturm-Liouville equation. The equation's form is as follows (where a(x),b(x),c(x),d(x) are arbitrary functions):

a(x)y'' + b(x)y'(x) + [c(x) + (LAMBDA)d(x)]y(x) = o

I begin by formatting in y'' + ... form. How do I proceed from here, please?

Ciao,

Transcend
 
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  • #2
If b(x) = a'(x) your equation is in Sturm-Liouville form...
 
  • #3
If not, then you need to multiply by some [itex]\mu(x)[/itex] so that it is:
a(x)[itex]\mu(x)[/itex]y'' + b(x)[itex]\mu(x)[/itex]y'(x) + [c(x) + ([itex]\lambda(x)[/itex])d(x)][itex]\mu(x)[/itex]y(x) = 0

With a'[itex]\mu(x)[/itex]+ a[itex]\mu'(x)[/itex]= b(x)[itex]\mu(x)[/itex]. That gives you a simple differential equation for [itex]\mu(x)[/itex].
 

1. What is the Sturm-Liouville equation?

The Sturm-Liouville equation is a type of differential equation that is commonly used in mathematical physics to model physical phenomena such as heat flow, vibration of strings, and quantum mechanics. It is named after the mathematicians Jacques Charles François Sturm and Joseph Liouville.

2. What are the main problems with the Sturm-Liouville equation?

One of the main problems with the Sturm-Liouville equation is that it is often difficult to solve analytically, meaning that closed-form solutions cannot be found. This can make it challenging to apply the equation to real-world problems. Additionally, the boundary conditions for the equation can be complex and may not always be well-defined.

3. How is the Sturm-Liouville equation used in physics?

The Sturm-Liouville equation is commonly used in physics to model physical systems that involve second-order differential equations, such as heat transfer, sound waves, and quantum mechanics. It allows scientists to understand and predict the behavior of these systems by using mathematical techniques to find solutions to the equation.

4. What are the applications of the Sturm-Liouville equation?

The Sturm-Liouville equation has a wide range of applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. It is used to study the behavior of physical systems, analyze differential equations, and solve boundary value problems. It is also used in signal processing, image processing, and data analysis.

5. What are some techniques for solving the Sturm-Liouville equation?

There are several techniques that can be used to solve the Sturm-Liouville equation, depending on the specific problem at hand. Some common methods include separation of variables, series solutions, integral transforms, and numerical methods. Each technique has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of method depends on the complexity of the problem and the desired level of accuracy.

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