Constant temperature distribution across the surface of a disk

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving a temperature distribution function for a disk of radius r0 using the polar form of the 2D steady-state Laplace equation. The user initially attempts to obtain a constant temperature across the disk's surface but encounters varying temperatures due to an incorrect application of Fourier coefficients. The conclusion emphasizes that a single Fourier expansion cannot yield a constant value throughout the disk; instead, two separate equations are necessary: one for points within the disk and another for points outside, ensuring they satisfy the boundary condition at the disk's edge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the 2D steady-state Laplace equation
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and Fourier series
  • Knowledge of boundary value problems in mathematical physics
  • Basic concepts of heat distribution and thermal equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the 2D steady-state Laplace equation in polar coordinates
  • Learn about boundary value problems and their solutions in mathematical physics
  • Explore Fourier series and their applications in solving differential equations
  • Investigate methods for plotting heat distribution and flow graphs
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working on heat distribution problems, particularly those involving boundary value problems and Fourier analysis.

ps1
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



First of all can i say that my question is part of a bigger problem that I'm trying to solve, but for the moment I'm stuck at this bit!

I'm trying to obtain a function that will return the temperature at a chosen point [itex](r,\theta)[/itex] on a disk of radius [itex]r_{0}[/itex]. The temperature of the disk is constant across its area.

Homework Equations



So far what I have done is use a general solution for the polar form of the 2d steady state laplace equation;

[itex]f(r,\theta) = (1/2)a_0 + \sum\limits_{n} (r/r_0)^n (a_n cos(n\theta) + b_n sin(n\theta))[/itex]

and solved for the Fourier coefficients using [itex]g(\theta) = T[/itex] where [itex]T[/itex] is the temperature distribution around the disk's perimeter.

The Attempt at a Solution



I had hoped to get an equation that would give the same temperature for all points on the disk but instead i have this;

[itex]f(r,\theta) = T + \sum\limits_{n} (r/r_0)^n (T/\pi) cos(n\theta)[/itex]

which returns varying temperatures depending on which point i choose. some points are warmer than the disk itself! something is obviously wrong. i believe that I'm thinking about the problem the wrong way or I've not fully understood what I'm trying to do. the idea is that i can eventually choose a point outside the disk and find the temperature there, then plot a heat flow graph with other boundaries at different temperatures.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's trivial to find a function that takes a constant value. You appear to be assuming that it is possible to find a single function in Fourier expansion form that returns a constant value over an entire disc but other values elsewhere. That is not going to happen. Your end result will at least consist of two equations, one for points in the disc and one for elsewhere. There share a boundary, so just ensure the two equations satisfy that boundary condition.
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K