About Separation of Variables for the Laplace Equation

In summary: A_m\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)\left[\int_0^a\left[J_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right)\right]^2 rdr\right]This is the orthogonality condition: If you have a function that is orthogonal to another function, then the sum of the products of the two functions will be zero.
  • #1
hectoryx
15
0

Homework Statement



This is a try for the solution of Laplace Equation. We have to calculate the potential distribution in a cylinder coordinate. However, there is a step really bring us trouble. Please go to the detail. You can either read it in the related URL, or in my PDF attachment..
The uncompleted solution is:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af335/hectoryx/Bessel001.jpg

Homework Equations



The method on the book is that:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af335/hectoryx/Bessel002.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



I really do not know what the basis of above equation is. Why can we get (2) from (1)? Does anyone give me any advice?
Thanks in advance.

Regards

Hector
 

Attachments

  • This is a try for the solution of Laplace Equation.pdf
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  • #2
You do exactly what they say you should do:

[tex]U_0=\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}A_m\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)J_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\implies\int_0^a U_0 J_0\left(\frac{P_n r}{a}\right)rdr=\int_0^a \left[\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}A_m\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)J_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right)\right] J_0\left(\frac{P_n r}{a}\right)rdr=\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}A_m\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)\left[\int_0^aJ_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right) J_0\left(\frac{P_n r}{a}\right)rdr\right][/tex]

What does the orthoganality condition tell you about the integral on the RHS?
 
  • #3
Wo, Thanks for your reply so soon!

I understood your means.

About the orthogonality condition, actually, there is one of the charactrestics of Bessel function, isn't it?

we have:

[tex]\int _0^{\alpha }J_0\left(\frac{P_mr}{\alpha }\right)J_0\left(\frac{P_nr}{\alpha }\right)rdr=0[/tex] if [tex]m\neq n[/tex]

where [tex]P_m[/tex] is the solution of Bessel Function [tex]J_0(x)=0[/tex]

Regards

Hector
 
  • #4
Right, so the only non-zero term in the sum

[tex]\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}A_m\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)\left[\int_0^aJ_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right) J_0\left(\frac{P_n r}{a}\right)rdr\right][/tex]

will be the [itex]m=n[/itex] term.

[tex]\implies\int_0^a U_0 J_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right)rdr=A_m\sinh\left(\frac{P_m h}{a}\right)\int_0^a\left[J_0\left(\frac{P_m r}{a}\right)\right]^2 rdr[/tex]
 

1. What is the Laplace equation?

The Laplace equation is a partial differential equation that describes the relationship between the second partial derivatives of a function. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to model steady-state processes, such as heat diffusion and electrostatics.

2. What does "separation of variables" mean in the context of the Laplace equation?

Separation of variables is a method used to solve partial differential equations, such as the Laplace equation. It involves breaking down a multi-variable equation into simpler single-variable equations that can be solved independently.

3. How does the method of separation of variables work for the Laplace equation?

The method of separation of variables for the Laplace equation involves assuming that the solution can be expressed as a product of two single-variable functions, one in each of the independent variables. This allows the equation to be transformed into a series of ordinary differential equations, which can then be solved using standard techniques.

4. What are the advantages of using separation of variables to solve the Laplace equation?

One of the main advantages of using separation of variables is that it simplifies the problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can make it easier to find a solution, especially for more complex problems. Additionally, the method is widely applicable and can be used for a variety of boundary conditions.

5. Are there any limitations to using separation of variables for the Laplace equation?

While separation of variables is a powerful method for solving the Laplace equation, it does have some limitations. It is most effective for linear problems with simple boundary conditions. It may also be difficult to find a solution in cases where the boundary conditions are irregular or non-homogeneous.

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