Laplace's equation Definition and 104 Threads

  1. I

    Solution to Laplace's Equation: f = r^-n-1 * cos(n+1)θ

    Homework Statement f = r^-n-1 * cos(n+1) θ satisfies laplace's equation. r^2 \partial^2 f / \partial r^2 + r \partial f / \partial r + \partial^2 f / \partial θ^2 = 0 Homework Equations P.D.E The Attempt at a Solution \partial f / \partial r = nr^n-1 * sin (nθ) \partial f/ \partial θ =...
  2. M

    Why can't the solution to Laplace's equation be derived from points?

    As the title suggests, the general solution of Laplace's equation has 4 arbitrary constants. One would imagine that if you e.g. have the potential at 4 points in a domain, you could get the specific solution by replacing: V(x1,y1)=V1, V(x2,y2)=V2, V(x3,y3)=V3, V(x4,y4)=V4, and solving the...
  3. Z

    Understanding the Fourier Series for Solving Laplace's Equation on a Plate

    The question involved solving the "T" on a plate sized from (0,0) to (1,2). Any ways, I will spare you of the details and get to the line in the solution I was confused with: Bottom: T(x,0) = 1-x = Bn (sinh 2n∏) (sin n∏x) = bn (sin n∏x) The next line confused me: bn = 2 0∫1 (1-x) sin n∏x dx...
  4. A

    Uniqueness theorem for Laplace's equation

    Hi all. Suppose that U1 is the solution of the Laplace's equation for a given set of boundary conditions and U2 is the the solution for the same set plus one extra boundary condition. Thus U2 satisfies the Laplace's equation and the boundary conditions of the first problem, so it's a solution...
  5. R

    Poisson's and Laplace's equation

    We can easily derive Poisson's and Laplace's equations in electrostatics by using Gauss's law. However, my question is what are the importance of these equations in Electrostatics ?
  6. D

    PDE: Laplace's Equation solutions

    Homework Statement Suppose that u(x,y) is a solution of Laplace's equation. If \theta is a fixed real number, define the function v(x,y) = u(xcos\theta - ysin\theta, xsin\theta + ycos\theta). Show that v(x,y) is a solution of Laplace's equation. Homework Equations Laplace's equation...
  7. L

    Solving Laplace's Equation with Exponential Function

    - exp(f) = Laplacian(f) where f is a real valued function of two variables in an open domain.
  8. L

    What are the three similar cases for examining Laplace's Equation boundaries?

    Can anyone help me think of the three similar cases I need to examine, I was thinking 0<x<pi/2 0<y<pi/2, 0<x<pi 0<y<pi/2, 0<x<pi/2 0<y<pi, with the same boundaries as those parts of the original square, but it doesn't really work for me, any help would be greatly appreciated...
  9. I

    Boundary conditions for Laplace's equation

    I don't seem to grasp the meaning of boundary conditions for Laplace's equation. Consider the Lagendre expansion of the potential at x due to a unit charge 1/|x-x'|, where x' is the position of the unit point charge. To do the expansion, we need to consider a volume in space where the...
  10. G

    Green's Theorem and Laplace's equation

    Homework Statement Show that for a solution w of Laplace's equation in a region R with boundary curve C and outer unit normal vector N, \int_{R}\left\| \nabla w\right\| dxdy = \oint_{C}w\frac{\partial w}{\partial N}dsHomework Equations The book goes through the steps to show that the following...
  11. J

    What is the Fourier series for a constant temperature in a box?

    Hello i have a problem with a laplace equation in a box, because the problem says that in the six face the tempeture is constant and given by the function f(x,y). and the other faces the temperature its zero. My teacher says that i must express the f(x,y) as a Fourier series, but i can't...
  12. B

    Laplace's Equation To Find Potential

    Homework Statement Consider a box that has a top and bottom at a/2 and –a/2, while the sides are located at –b/2 and +b/2. Also, the top and bottom are at potential V0=100V and the sides have V=0. You will need to use the separation of variables technique. 1) Find the general solution using...
  13. R

    Homogeneous Laplace's Equation

    Homework Statement uxx+uyy=0 u(x,0)=u(x,pie)=0 u(0,y)=0 ux(5,y)=3siny-5sin4y Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Using separable method I get Y"-kY= 0 and X"+kX=0 For Case 1 and Case 2 where k>0 and k=0 there are no eigenvalues So Case 3 k<0 gives Y=ccos(sqrk...
  14. S

    Does Laplace's Equation Apply to Infinite Boundary Conditions and Fourier Transforms?

    Homework Statement Consider Laplace's equation uxx + uyy = 0 on the region -inf <= x <= inf, 0 <= y <= 1 subject to the boundary conditions u(x,0) = 0, u(x,1) = f(x), limit as x tends to inf of u(x,y) = 0. Show that the solution is given by u(x,y) = F-1(sinh(wy)f(hat)/sinh(wy))...
  15. T

    LaPlace's Equation in Sphereical Coordinates

    Homework Statement I want to cook a 4" meatball. The meatball is being stored in the fridge at 35 degrees F. The meatball will go into a convection oven at 350 degrees F (surface is maintained at precisely 350 for the duration of cooking). I want to cook the meatball to 130 degrees F (in the...
  16. S

    Solving Laplace's Equation Homework Statement

    Homework Statement I have a really dumb question, but I want to make sure this is right... So I have the integral (d2V)/(dф2) = 0. I am solving for the potential function on the bounds, 0 < ф < фo. I will also be solving on range of фo < ф < 2∏. Homework Equations The Laplace equation...
  17. P

    Griffiths intro to electrodynamics Laplace's equation (boundary conditions only)

    Homework Statement A surface at z = 0 is held at potential V (x, y) = V0 cos(qx) sin(qy). Find the potential in the region z > 0. Homework Equations Laplace's equation in Cartesian coordinates The Attempt at a Solution I wrote at least a page of my past 2 attempts at a solution...
  18. V

    Electric field and Laplace's equation

    Homework Statement I have to show for a conducting sheet bent along one axis into the shape of a wedge, with a certain angle, that the magnitude of the electric field in the bend is proportional to r^{(\pi/\theta) - 1}, where theta is the opening angle. Homework Equations The...
  19. M

    Derivation of Poisson's Equation and Laplace's Equation

    Hi, Can someone point me in the right direction to a derivation of Poisson's Equation and of Laplace's Equation, (from Maxwell's equations I think) both in a vacuum and in material media? How does one get from Maxwell's equations to Poisson's and Laplace's?
  20. A

    Show arctan(y/x) satisfies Laplace's equation

    Homework Statement Show that arctan(y/x) satisfies Laplace's equation.Homework Equations Laplace's equation: \frac{\partial^{2}f}{\partial x^{2}}+\frac{\partial^{2}f}{\partial y^{2}}=0The Attempt at a Solution We haven't really done this is class too thoroughly, I've looked a...
  21. A

    General question about solutions to Laplace's equation

    Is it true that any solution to Laplace's equation, subject to any set of boundary conditions, can be written as a linear superposition of separable solutions? I'm sure there are some vagaries in what I've written above. Feel free to point them out and rectify them.
  22. D

    How to Determine Scalar Potential Inside and Outside a Charged Sphere?

    Homework Statement Use Poisson's equation and Laplace's equation to determine the scalar potential inside and outside a sphere of constant charge density po. Use Coulomb's law to give the limit at very large r, and an argument from symmetry to give the value of E at r=0. Homework...
  23. S

    Solving Laplace's equation over a triangular domain.

    When solving Laplace's equation over a triangular domain. Why is it a good idea to take M = N?
  24. P

    Solving Laplace's Equation with Separation of Variables

    Homework Statement \frac{1}{s} \frac{\partial }{\partial s} (\{s} \frac{\partial V}{\partial s}) + \frac{1}{s^2} \cdot \frac{\partial^2 V}{\partial \phi^2} When you do separation of variables what happens to the \frac{1}{s} and the \frac{1}{s^2} after you divide through by \Phi and S to...
  25. J

    Solution to Laplace's equation in spherical co-ordinates

    I have a question about the general solution to Laplace's equation in spherical co-ordinates, which takes the form of a linear combination of the spherical harmonics. In my problem, I am solving for the potential within two concentric spherical shells, each with its own conductivity. Now...
  26. B

    Laplace's equation in spherical co-ords

    I have a simple question about the general solution to Laplace's equation in spherical co-ords. The general solution is: u(r, \theta, \phi) = \sum^{\infty}_{l=0}\sum^{l}_{m=-l}\left(a_{lm}r^{l} + \frac{b_{lm}}{r^{l+1}}\right)P_{lm}(cos\theta)e^{im\phi} (where the a_{lm}, b_{lm}...
  27. snoopies622

    What is the Physical Relevance of Laplace's Equation?

    A scalar "harmonic" function f is one that satisfies \nabla ^2 f = 0 What is the physical meaning or relevance of this?
  28. L

    Where does Laplace's equation in spherical polars come from

    Where does Laplace's equation in spherical polars come from \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial r^2} + \frac{1}{r} \frac{\partial u}{\partial r} + \frac{1}{r^2} \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial \theta^2}=0 ? i can derive from scratch the expression for the laplacian in spherical polars but this...
  29. M

    Solutions to Laplace's equation

    [solved] solutions to Laplace's equation Homework Statement Find all solutions f(x,y) that satify Laplace's equation that are of the form: ax^3 + bx^2y + cxy^2 + dy^3 Homework Equations Laplace states that fxx + fyy = 0 The Attempt at a Solution fxx = 6ax + 2by fyy = 6dy + 2cx so...
  30. L

    Laplace's equation on a rectangle (mixed bndy)

    Homework Statement I'm having issues with a deceptively simple Laplace problem. If anybody could point me in the right direction it would be fantastic. It's just Laplace's equation on the square [0.1]x[0,1] (or any rectangle you like) with a mixed boundary. Homework Equations...
  31. M

    Solving Laplace's equation in an annulus

    Homework Statement Solve Laplace's equation \nabla^2 u(r,\vartheta) =0 in an annulus with inner radius r_1 and outer radius r_2 . (a) For boundary conditions take u(1,\vartheta) = 3 and u(2,\vartheta) = 5. (b) What is the solution using this second set of boundary conditions...
  32. L

    Have I answered these questions on Laplace's equation correctly?

    Homework Statement I missed the lecture on this so I just wanted to check if I am doing this correctly? Which of the following functions obey Laplace’s equation? a) Ψ(x, y) = 2xy b) Ψ(x, y) = x^3 - 3y^2 c) Ψ(x, y) = x^4 - 6x^2.y^2 d) Ψ(x, y) = e^x.siny e) Ψ(x, y) = sinxsinhy...
  33. N

    Laplace's equation on an annulus

    Homework Statement Hi all. I am looking at Laplace's equation on an annulus (just a circle where a < r < b, where "a" and "b" are constants). The boundaries of the annulus at r=a and r=b are kept at a certain temperature, which is theta-independent! Using my physical intuition, of course the...
  34. J

    General solution to Laplace's equation where V depends only on r

    Homework Statement Find the general solution to Laplace's equation in spherical coordinates, for the case where V depends on on r. Do the same for cylindrical coordinnates assuming V depends only on r. Homework Equations Laplace's Eq (spherical): 1/r^2 (d/dr)(r^2(dV/dr)) +...
  35. N

    Laplace's Equation Solution in 2D

    I am using separation of variables and superposition to solve: u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0; for (x,y) \in (0,L) X (0,H) u(0,y)=f(y); u(L,y)=0; u(x,0)=g(x); u(x,H)=0 Is it correct to assume that I can write my solution as: u=u_1+u_2 Where: u_1 is the solution with BC u(0,y)=0...
  36. N

    Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs

    Homework Statement Solve Laplace's equation inside a circular annulus (a<r<b) subject to the boundary conditions \frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(a,\theta) = f(\theta)\text{, }\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(b,\theta) = g(\theta) Homework Equations Assume solutions of the form u(r,\theta)...
  37. N

    Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs

    Homework Statement Solve Laplace's equation inside a circular annulus (a<r<b) subject to the boundary conditions \frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(a,\theta) = f(\theta)\text{, }\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(b,\theta) = g(\theta) Homework Equations Assume solutions of the form u(r,\theta)...
  38. N

    Laplace's equation on a rectangle with mixed boundary conditions

    Homework Statement Solve Laplace's equation inside the rectangle 0 \le x \le L, 0 \le y \le H with the following boundary conditions u(0,y) = g(y)\text{, } u(L,y) = 0\text{, } u_y(x,0) = 0\text{, and } u(x,H) = 0 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know that with...
  39. J

    PDE's - Finding a certain solution to Laplace's equation on a circle

    Homework Statement Find a solution of Laplace's equation u_{xx} + u_{yy} = 0 of the form u(x,y) = Ax^2 + Bxy + Cy^2 \ (A^2 + B^2 + C^2 \not= 0 ) which satisfies the boundary condition u(cos(\theta),sin(\theta)) = cos(2\theta) + sin(2\theta) for all points (cos(\theta),sin(\theta)) on...
  40. G01

    Laplace's Equation in Cylindrical Coordinates

    Homework Statement A long copper pipe, with it's axis on the z axis, is cut in half and the two halves are insulated. One half is held at 0V, the other at 9V. Find the potential everywhere in space.Homework Equations \nabla^2V=0The Attempt at a Solution Alright. This is a laplace's equation...
  41. N

    Analytical solution of Laplace's equation with horrendous boundary conditions

    Hi, I'm trying to find an analytical solution of Laplace's equation: \phi_{xx} + \phi_{tt} = 0 with the tricky boundary conditions: 1. \phi(x=0,|t|>\tau)= 0 2. \phi(x\neq0, |t|>>\tau)=0 3. \phi_{x}(x=0, |t|<\tau)=-1 4. \phi_{t}(x, |t|>>\tau)=0 I have the following ansatz(I...
  42. S

    Laplace's Equation Boundary Problem

    Homework Statement I have a two part question, the first part involves solving Laplace's equation u_{xx} + u_{yy} = 0 for the boundary conditions u_x(0,y) = u_x(2,y) = 0 u(x,0) = 0 u(x,1) = \sin(\pi x) for 0 < x < 2, 0 < y < 1. The second part now states a new boundary problem...
  43. J

    Is This a Modified Laplace's Equation?

    Not really Laplace's Equation?? Hi all! I've been out of school for awhile and so, some of my engineering math is still rusty. While working out a fluids problem, I got stuck on the following PDE: Y''(y)}Z(z)+Y(y)Z''(z)=-1 \frac{Y''(y)}{Y(y)}+\frac{Z''(z)}{Z(z)}=-\frac{1}{Y(y)Z(z)} I know...
  44. S

    Uniqueness of Laplace's equation

    Homework Statement Prove the uniqueness of Laplace's equation Note that V(x,y,z) = X(x) Y(y) Z(z)) Homework Equations \frac{d^2 V}{dx^2} + \frac{d^2 V}{dy^2}+ \frac{d^2 V}{dz^2} = 0 The Attempt at a Solution Suppose V is a solution of Lapalce's equation then let V1 also be a...
  45. M

    Example Questions of Laplace's Equation in 3D Space BVP

    Need To Example Questions Of "laplace's equation in Boundary-value Problem"in 3DSpace Please Help Me : Need To Example Questions Of "laplace's equation in Boundary-value Problem"in 3D Space. Can Anyone Give Me a File That Contains This Type Of Questions? I Need At least 20 Examples...
  46. S

    Solve Laplace's Equation for Square in XY Plane w/BCs

    Homework Statement Consider a square in the XY plane with corners at (0,0, (a,0), (a,a,) and (0,a). There is no charge nor matter inside the square. The sides perpendicular to the Y axis have potential zero. The side at x=a has constant potentail V0. The side at x=0 has potentail -V0. Find...
  47. E

    E&M: Using Laplace's Equation to solve for a conducting slit

    E&M: Using Laplace's Equation to solve for a conducting "slit" Homework Statement The set up is as follows: You have a conductor at potential 0 along the y-axis at x=0. You have another conductor at potential V=Vo running along the x-axis at y=0. You have a third conductor at potential V=Vo...
  48. L

    Solving Laplace's Equation: Problem With Boundary Conditions

    I have a problem solving \nabla^2 T(x,y,z) = 0 T(0,y,z)=T(a,y,z)=0 T(x,0,z)=T(x,b,z)=T_0 \sin{\frac{\pi x}{a} T(x,y,0)=T(x,y,c)=const. I use separation of variables and get X_n (x) = \sin{\frac{n \pi x}{a} Y_n (y) = \cosh{\sqrt{\frac{n^2 \pi^2}{c^2} + \frac{n^2 \pi^2}{a^2}}y} +...
  49. S

    Solving Laplace's Equation in 2-D Polar Co-ordinates

    I need to solve laplace's equation in 2-d polar co-ordinates, and I just get the standard V(r,theta) = A + Blnr + sum to infinity of [An*sin(n*theta) + Bn * cos(n*theta)]*[Cn*(r^-n) + Dn*(r^n)] by using separation of variables and considering all values of the separation constant which give...
  50. D

    Solving Laplace and Heat Equation in 3D Rectangular Solid

    Heat equation Given the 3-D rectangular solid with sides of length a, b and c in the x, y and z directions, respectively. Find the function T(x,y,z,t) when Laplace(T)=1/K(dT/dt) subject to the following conditions: 1) Initial conditions: T(x,y,z,0)=0 2) Boundary conditions a. dT/dx +...
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