Does Laplace's Equation Apply to Infinite Boundary Conditions and Fourier Transforms?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Laplace's equation in a specified region with infinite boundary conditions and the use of Fourier transforms. The original poster is exploring how to incorporate the boundary condition that the limit of the solution approaches zero as x tends to infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use Fourier transforms to solve the equation and raises a question about applying the boundary condition related to the limit as x approaches infinity. Some participants clarify the nature of the boundary condition and its implications on the Fourier transform.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the application of boundary conditions and clarifying misunderstandings. There is an exploration of the implications of the boundary conditions on the existence of the Fourier transform.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential confusion regarding the limits involved in the boundary conditions and the implications for the Fourier transform's existence. The original poster's understanding of the boundary conditions is under scrutiny.

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Homework Statement


Consider Laplace's equation uxx + uyy = 0 on the region -inf <= x <= inf, 0 <= y <= 1 subject to the boundary conditions u(x,0) = 0, u(x,1) = f(x), limit as x tends to inf of u(x,y) = 0.
Show that the solution is given by u(x,y) = F-1(sinh(wy)f(hat)/sinh(wy))


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I used Fourier transforms in x.
I got u(hat)(w,y) = Aeky + Be-ky
In Fourier space:
u(hat)(w,0) = F(0) = 0
u(hat)(w,1) = f(hat)(w)
But u(hat) is a function of y. My question is how do I apply the 3rd boundary condition (as this is the limit as x(not y) tends to inf) to u(hat)
 
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Is it meant to be limit as y tends to inf not x.
 
squenshl said:
I used Fourier transforms in x.
I got u(hat)(w,y) = Aeky + Be-ky

You mean [itex]\hat{u}(\omega,y)=Ae^{\omega y}+Be^{-\omega y}[/itex], right? :wink:

My question is how do I apply the 3rd boundary condition (as this is the limit as x(not y) tends to inf) to u(hat)

You already used it. If [tex]\lim_{x\to\pm\infty} u(x,y)\neq 0[/itex], its Fourier transform (from [itex]x[/itex] to [itex]\omega[/itex]) might not exist (the integral could diverge).[/tex]
 
Very true. That is what I meant.
But when did I use this boundary condition?
 
squenshl said:
But when did I use this boundary condition?

When you took the FT of [itex]u(x,y)[/itex], and hence assumed that it existed.
 

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