Fourier transform of laplace operator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Fourier transform to the differential equation involving the Laplace operator, specifically the equation \((- \Delta + k^2)^2 u = \delta\), where \(\delta\) is the Dirac delta distribution. Participants explore the implications of applying the Fourier transform to the Laplacian and the interpretation of the operator \(\Delta^2\).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the result of applying the Fourier transform to the Laplacian squared and seeks clarification on how the expression \((4\pi^2\xi^2 + k^2)^2 \hat{u} = 1\) is derived.
  • Another participant suggests representing \(u(x)\) as a Fourier transform and writing the Dirac delta as a Fourier transform integral, proposing to let the operator act inside the integral.
  • A participant claims to have solved part of the problem and questions the interpretation of the Laplacian squared, pondering whether it should be viewed as a biharmonic operator.
  • Further clarification is provided on the meaning of \(\Delta^2 \varphi\), detailing the operation as applying the Laplacian twice to a function.
  • One participant confirms the interpretation of \(\Delta^2\) as the biharmonic operator and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the application of the Fourier transform to the Laplacian and the interpretation of \(\Delta^2\). While some clarity is reached about the biharmonic operator, the initial confusion about the Fourier transform application remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the application of the Fourier transform to differential operators and the specific conditions under which the Laplacian is applied. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in deriving the Fourier transform results.

LuisVela
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Hello Everybody.
I gave a quick look onto the internet but i couldn't get anything interesting.
Heres my problem.

Im solving the differential equation given by:

(-\Delta+k^2)^2u=\delta

Where \delta is the dirac delta distribuiton (and u is thought as a distribution as well)

The first step in the book is to apply FT to both sides of the equation...

The result is:

(4\pi^2\xi^2+k^2)^2\hat{u}=1

...I do know that the FT of the Laplacian is -4\pi^2\xi^2, but when the whole parenthesis is squared, i just can follow it. I don't know how to get that result...

BTW..whats the meaning of \Delta^2?

Any ideas?
 
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Represent u(x) as a Fourier transform of \hat{u}(xi). Also, write the Dirac delta as a Fourier transform integral. Then let the operator parenthesis act inside the integral sign.
 
I think i solved it.
Fourier acting on laplace squared being equal to the square of F on Laplace is actually easy to prove...
The only thing remaining to understand is the 'meaning' of laplace squared.
Laplace acting on a function is an operation from R3-->R1, so you can't apply Laplace over again to the result...
Is that how we interpret Laplace squared?...or maybe more like the biharmonic operator.??
 
The meaning of \Delta^{2} \, \varphi is:

<br /> \Delta(\Delta \, \varphi) =<br />
<br /> = \frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial x^{2}} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial x^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial y^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial z^{2}}\right)<br />
<br /> + \frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial y^{2}} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial x^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial y^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial z^{2}}\right)<br />
<br /> + \frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial z^{2}} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial x^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial y^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} \, \varphi}{\partial z^{2}}\right) =<br />
<br /> = \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial x^{4}} + \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial y^{4}} + \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial z^{4}} + 2 \, \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial x^{2} \, \partial y^{2}} + 2 \, \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial y^{2} \, \partial z^{2}} + 2 \, \frac{\partial^{4} \, \varphi}{\partial z^{2} \, \partial x^{2}}<br />
 
So it is the biharmonic operator indeed !
Thanks a loot
 

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