Solve Laplace Equation in Oblate/Prolate Spheroidal Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Laplace equation in oblate and prolate spheroidal coordinates. Participants explore the methods and challenges associated with this mathematical problem, including potential approaches and the nature of the equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the Laplace equation in oblate and prolate spheroidal coordinates and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant requests access to the equations being referenced, indicating a problem with the provided link.
  • A participant later confirms that the link to the equations is now functional.
  • A different participant reiterates the initial query while asking for clarification on the type of Laplace equation being solved (scalar, vector, tensor rank-2) and the method intended (numerical solution, separation of variables, integral transforms).
  • This participant suggests that the problem likely involves separation of variables and references the Sturm-Liouville problem related to such solutions.
  • It is noted that solutions to the Laplace equation in these coordinate systems involve Legendre polynomials and circular functions, indicating the complexity of the algebra and calculus involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific methods or approaches to solving the Laplace equation, and multiple viewpoints regarding the problem's complexity and solution methods remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific type of Laplace equation being addressed and the methods being considered, which may affect the discussion's direction.

Aamodt
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Hi, I'm trying to solve the Laplace equatio in oblate and prolate spheroidal coordinates, but it's proving to be too much for me to handle, can anyone help me out?
You can see the equations I'm using in:
http://mathematica.no.sapo.pt/index.html
 
Last edited:
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I "Cannot find server". Can you attach a written document with your work...?

Daniel.
 
I have corrected the problem, you can now access the web page with the equations, thanks for the warning.
 
Aamodt said:
Hi, I'm trying to solve the Laplace equatio in oblate and prolate spheroidal coordinates, but it's proving to be too much for me to handle, can anyone help me out?
You can see the equations I'm using in:
http://mathematica.no.sapo.pt/index.html
Laplaces equation for what (scalar, vector, tensor rank-2?). Using what method (numerical solution, separation of variable, integral transforms?).
I would guess that you intend to solve the scalar laplace equation using separation of variables. So you presume the solution can be written in the form of a sum of terms that are products of functions of one variable. Then the partial differential equation implies that the functions of one variable satisfy some strum louiville problem.
Mathworld says your two systems are among the 13 where laplaces equation can be solved by separation of variables and that solutions involve Legendre polynomials and circular functions. In any case you are looking at some messy algebra and calculus.

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/LaplacesEquation.html
 

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