2D Cartesian Laplace equation with a single point diffusion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the 2D Cartesian Laplace equation with a single point diffusion source. Participants explore both analytical and numerical approaches to address the problem, which involves boundary conditions and the incorporation of a point source represented by a Dirac delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start solving the Laplace equation with a point source at (xi, yi), indicating a lack of direction for an analytical solution.
  • Another participant asserts that the solution is uniquely determined by the boundary conditions and suggests checking consistency with the value at (xi, yi) once a solution is found.
  • A participant clarifies that the problem involves a Dirac delta function, implying the use of Green's functions, but questions the identity of "Green."
  • One participant proposes an alternative scenario where the concentration is spread over a small circle instead of a point, suggesting a different approach to the problem.
  • A technical suggestion is made to write the eigenvalue equation and solve it using separation of variables, along with a proposed method for finding coefficients through integration.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster has abandoned the search for an analytical solution due to time constraints and opted for a numerical solution instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of finding an analytical solution, with some suggesting methods while others indicate challenges. There is no consensus on a definitive approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of boundary conditions and the nature of the point source, but the discussion remains open-ended regarding the specific mathematical steps and assumptions involved in the proposed methods.

maistral
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Hi. I have this problem in trying to solve this PDE analytically.

The PDE is represented by this diagram:
2ltsjgw.png


Basically this is solving the Laplace equation with those insulated boundaries except it has that point diffusing its value across the plane. I know how to solve the Laplace equation part. The problem is that I do not know how to solve the Laplace equation WITH a single point in there located at point (xi, yi).

While I have no problem in trying to solve this using numerical analysis, I am totally clueless how to solve this analytically. Where should I start? What should I do?
 
Last edited:
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It seems you are asking too much. The solution is uniquely determined by the boundary conditions. Once found a solution you can check if it is consistent with the value you have at ##(x_i,y_i)##.
 
What?? How could it be asking too much?

I said it clearly I guess. I don't know where to start at all. If that point CA1 located at point (xi, yi) had not existed then obviously the solution for the PDE is just CA0.

I have no idea how to incorporate that point diffusing its values everywhere on CA0 that's why I'm asking.
 
Apparently this is Laplace equation with a dirac delta function on a certain coordinate. So apparently this involves Green's functions.

Who is this Green? Help?
 
Let's sneak up on it. Suppose that, rather than being in a small finite domain of a square, the system were infinite in extent, and, rather than the concentration being CA1 at a point, it would be CA1 on a small circle of radius a. And suppose that, far from the circle, at infinity, the temperature would be CA0.

Chet
 
I suggest you write the eigenvalue equation$$\Delta\phi+\lambda\phi=f$$where f is the diffusion function. First solve the homogeneous equation$$\Delta\phi + \lambda\phi=0$$by separation of variables and use the boundary conditions to find ##\phi_m\left (k_xx\right )## and ##\phi_n\left (k_yy \right )## and ##\lambda_{mn}=k_x^2+k_y^2##.
Introduce a trial function$$ \phi\left (x,y\right )=\sum_n\sum_m A_{mn}\phi_m\left (k_xx \right )\phi_n\left (k_yy \right )$$
and substitute in the equation$$\Delta\phi+\lambda_{mn}\phi=f$$
Multiply both sides of the equation by ##\phi_m\phi_n## and integrate to solve for ##A_{mn}##.
 
Thanks for the replies. But I gave up trying to get an analytical solution due to time constraints and killed the problem using a numerical attack. Lol
 

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