Classical field theory, initial and boundary conditions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the mathematical aspects of non-relativistic classical field theory, specifically the derivation and understanding of boundary conditions. The relationship for the boundary function is established as a f(\vec{R},t) + b \vec{n}.\nabla{f}+ h(\vec{R},t) = 0, where \vec{n} is the normal vector to the boundary surface, and h(\vec{R},t) is an unknown function. The conversation emphasizes the intuitive reasoning behind this relationship, connecting it to Taylor series expansions for deducing values within a volume from boundary values. Additionally, the discussion touches on initial value conditions f(\vec{r},0) and its derivative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear differential equations in classical field theory
  • Familiarity with boundary conditions, specifically Robin boundary conditions
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, including gradient and normal vectors
  • Basic concepts of Taylor series expansions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Robin boundary conditions in classical field theory
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of heat and wave equations
  • Learn about Taylor series and their role in approximating functions
  • Investigate initial value problems in differential equations
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying classical field theory, as well as mathematicians interested in differential equations and boundary value problems.

Coffee_
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Hello, I am taking an introductory class on non relativistic classical field theory and right now we are doing the more mathematical aspect of things right now. The types of differential equations in the function ##f(\vec{r},t)## that are considered in this course are linear in the following components.

##f##

##\nabla^{2}f##

##\frac{\partial f}{\partial t}##

##\frac{\partial^{2} f}{\partial t^{2}}##

And some function ##g(\vec{r},t)##

Resulting in the heat and wave type of equations.

The boundary conditions were defined as the function ##f(\vec{R},t)## where ##\vec{R}## is bounded to the boundary of the volume that we consider the equation in at any time.

After some vague argument I don't quite understand we arrive at the following general relationship for the boundary function:

##a f(\vec{R},t) + b \vec{n}.\nabla{f}+ h(\vec{R},t) = 0 ##

Where ##\vec{n}## is the normal vector to the boundary sufrace, ##h(\vec{R},t)## is some function which we don't know the characteristics of yet and ##a## and ##b## are just constants.

Can anyone explain me intuitively how that relationship is deduced? I understand there's probably some difficult formal math behind this but the argument made in class was an intuitive one. It was based on the fact that if you know the values at the boundary you can deduce values at any point in the volume using some Taylor series type of reasoning. Anyway I'm hoping if someone could provide a similar argument. Thanks

Bonus: How do initial value conditions ##f(\vec{r},0)## and it's derivative come into play?
 
Coffee_ said:
Hello, I am taking an introductory class on non relativistic classical field theory and right now we are doing the more mathematical aspect of things right now. <snip>
After some vague argument I don't quite understand we arrive at the following general relationship for the boundary function:
##a f(\vec{R},t) + b \vec{n}.\nabla{f}+ h(\vec{R},t) = 0 ##
<snip>

It's just a general 'Robin boundary condition'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_boundary_condition
 

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