Boundary value problem

1. Dec 8, 2005

stunner5000pt

Let D be a domain inside a simple closed curve C in R2. Consider the boundary value problem
$$(\Delta u)(x,y) = 0, \ (x,y) \in D, \\ \frac{\partial u}{\partial n} (x,y) = 0 , \ (x,y) \in C.$$

where n is the outward unit normal on C. Use Green's Theorem to prove taht every solution u is a constant.

and yes its DELTA u not nabla u .
i know that Green's theorem is something lik this
$$\int \int _{D} u \nabla^2 u dx dy = \oint_{C} u \frac{\partial u}{\partial n} ds - \int \int_{D} |grad u|^2 dxdy$$

so cna i do this
$$\int \int_{D} u \Delta u dx dy = \oint_{C} u \frac{\partial u}{\partial n} ds - \int \int_{D} |\nabla u|^2 dx dy$$
i mean isnt $$\Delta u = \nabla^2 u = \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2}$$ isnt that true??

if that s true then moving on
$$\oint_{C} u \frac{\partial u}{\partial n} ds = 0$$ because du/dn = 0 and sinve it is definite integration of a constant the answer is zero
so all that we're left with is
$$\int \int_{D} u \Delta u dx dy = - \int \int_{D} |\nabla u|^2 dx dy$$
if i differentiate on both sides it yields
$$u \Delta u \displaystyle{|_{D}} = |\nabla^2 u|$$
i m not sure how to proceed from here...
how would one figure out whether u is constnat?
Please help! Thank you.

2. Dec 8, 2005

Physics Monkey

You've done too much work already. Look at your very first equation, the statement of Green's Theorem. Two of the terms in this equation are zero, why? What does that imply about the third term and why?

3. Dec 8, 2005

stunner5000pt

well i can see why
$$\oint_{C} u \frac{\partial u}{\partial n} ds = 0$$
because du/dn = 0 and sinve it is definite integration of a constant the answer is zero

also from the boundary values that $(\Delta u) (x,y) = 0$
so then $$\int \int _{D} u \nabla^2 u dx dy = 0$$ once again because of the definite integration

so then
$$\int \int_{D} |grad u|^2 dxdy =0$$
so if one differentiates on both sides
$$(\nabla u) \displaystyle{|_{D}} = 0$$
integrate both sides and yield u as some constnat value C.
Was that the right way?

4. Dec 8, 2005

Physics Monkey

You're close. You have everything except the last bit, you can't just differentiate a double integral like that. However, it is possible to conclude that the gradient must be zero. Hint: if you integrate a positive definite integrand over some region and get zero, then what must the integrand have been?

5. Dec 8, 2005

stunner5000pt

i see...

if you definite integrate and you get zero then the integrand musth ave been zero. Thus in this case the gradient is zero. WEll ok a zero gradient measn a maximum of the function... but then uhh
not usre what to do

Know someone interested in this topic? Share this thread via Reddit, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook