Correcting Solutions for Euler's Equation with Kronecker Delta Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving Euler's equation involving the Kronecker delta function, specifically the equation r^2 B_n'' + r B_n' - n^2 B_n = 3 δ_{n1} r^2. Participants are exploring the nature of the solutions and the implications of the delta function in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the form of the solution B_n(r) and the significance of the coefficient '3' in relation to the delta function. There is an exploration of different cases for n, particularly n=1, and the implications of the Kronecker delta on the right-hand side of the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to solve the equation for various values of n, noting the distinct case when n=1. There is a recognition of the need to handle the cases separately due to the behavior of the delta function. Questions remain regarding the linearity of the solution and the treatment of coefficients.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that solutions unbounded at r=0 are to be discarded, and there is a noted concern about the clarity of the problem statement regarding the coefficient in the equation.

Precursor
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How do I solve the following Euler's equation:

r^2 B_n'' + r B_n' - n^2 B_n = 3 \delta_{n1} r^2

Such that the solution is:

B_n(r) = \beta_n r^n + \delta_{n1}r^2, \forall n \ge 1

where βn is a free coefficient, δ is the Kronecker delta function, and the solutions unbounded at r=0 are discarded.
 
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Precursor said:
How do I solve the following Euler's equation:

r^2 B_n'' + r B_n' - n^2 B_n = 3 \delta_{n1} r^2

Such that the solution is:

B_n(r) = \beta_n r^n + \delta_{n1}r^2, \forall n \ge 1

where \beta_{n} is a free coefficient, \delta is the Kronecker delta function, and the solutions unbounded at r = 0 are discarded.

You try to solve the differential equation for different values of n. n=1 is obviously different from all other n. The trick for an equation in this form is to use a trial function of the form ##B_n(r)=Cr^k## and solve for k.
 
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Is the \delta_{n1}r^2 obtained in the solution by linearity? And why is the coefficient '3' not in front?
 
Precursor said:
Is the \delta_{n1}r^2 obtained in the solution by linearity? And why is the coefficient '3' not in front?

I'm not sure what you are asking. The case n=1 is different from the other values of n because then the right side is 3r^2. If n is not 1 then the right side is 0. That's what the Kronecker delta does. They are two different cases. Solve them separately.
 
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I've followed your steps, but when I'm solving the case for n = 1, I get B_{1} = \beta_{1}r + r^{2}. Shouldn't it only be r^{2}?
 
Precursor said:
I've followed your steps, but when I'm solving the case for n = 1, I get B_{1} = \beta_{1}r + r^{2}. Shouldn't it only be r^{2}?

Yes, it should. You have to put ##\beta_{1}=0## in that case. The problem statement is sloppy.
 

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