Finding the Harmonic Conjugate of \phi

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The discussion centers on finding the harmonic conjugate of the function φ(x,y) = u(x,y)v(x,y), where w = u(x,y) + iy(x,y) is an analytic function. Participants reference the Cauchy-Riemann equations and the properties of harmonic functions, noting that both u and v are harmonic and satisfy Laplace's equation. One user attempts to derive a function Φ using integrals and partial derivatives but expresses uncertainty about its correctness. Suggestions are made to utilize the Cauchy-Riemann equations to relate the derivatives and simplify the process of finding the harmonic conjugate. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between the functions involved to arrive at a solution.
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Homework Statement


If w = u(x,y)+iy(x,y) is an analytic function then
\phi(x,y) = u(x,y)v(x,y)
is harmonic, where u and v are the real and imaginary parts of w.
What is the harmonic conjugate of \phi?

Homework Equations


So I know for analytic functions the Cauchy-Riemann equations:
\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial v}{\partial y} and
\frac{\partial u}{\partial y} = -\frac{\partial v}{\partial x}

And for a harmonic function:
\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2}=0 and
\frac{\partial^2v}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2v}{\partial y^2}=0

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to find a function \Phi that would satisfy:
\frac{\partial \Phi}{\partial dy}=\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial dx} and
\frac{\partial \Phi}{\partial dx}=-\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial dy}

for which I obtained:
\Phi = \int \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} v + \frac{\partial v}{\partial x} u \partial y and
\Phi = \int \frac{\partial u}{\partial y} v + \frac{\partial v}{\partial y} u \partial x[/quote]

But I have no idea if this is correct, or relevant to finding the harmonic conjugate.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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consider w2
 
lurflurf said:
consider w2

Thanks for this lurflurf. So I get
w^2 = u^2 - v^2

I really have no idea what to do with this, could you kindly give me another little hint?
 
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That is not w2 that is Re[w2] what about Im[w2]?
alternatively try to write
(uv)x=uxv+uvx
(uv)y=uyv+uvy
in terms of oposite partials via Cauchy-Riemann equations
 
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I'm confused by this. I'm trying to understand, but I don't know how to get any expression for the conjugate.
 
If cannot guess the conjugate what you started doing with integrals would also work, the next step is to use the Cauchy-Riemann equations to that your integrals and partials are with respect to the same variables thus giving an answer without partials.
 
May I make a suggestion: If f=u+v is analytic, then u and v are harmonic and so satisfy Laplace's equation each of them. That is, u_xx+u_yy=0, and v_xx+v_yy=0 and also if f is analytic then u and v satisfy the Cauchy Riemann equations. Well there you go: For:

g=uv

compute:

\frac{\partial^2 g}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2 g}{\partial y^2}

using the chain rule, and use what I've just said to show it's zero.
 

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