Green function Helmholtz differential equation, monodimensional limit

In summary, the solution to the problem is given by using the Green function and for the three-dimensional case it is calculated as -\int G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1) f(\mathbf{r}) where G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1)=\frac{e^{ik\vert\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}_1\vert}}{4\pi \vert \mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}_1\vert}. However, when a function of x is put into the equation, the solution becomes a three-dimensional Green's function instead of a one-dimensional Green's function.
  • #1
galuoises
8
0
The solution of the problem
[itex]\left(\nabla^2 + k^2 \right)\psi(\mathbf{r})=f(\mathbf{r})[/itex] is, using green function

[itex] \psi(\mathbf{r})=-\int G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1) f(\mathbf{r})[/itex]
where for the tridimensional case the Green function is
[itex]G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1)=\frac{e^{ik\vert\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}_1\vert}}{4\pi \vert \mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}_1\vert}[/itex]

Why if I put [itex]f(\mathbf{r})=h(x)\delta(y-y_1)\delta(z-z_1)[/itex] in the second equation I find
[itex]G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1)=\frac{e^{ik\vert x-x_1\vert}}{4\pi \vert \mathbf{x}-\mathbf{x}_1\vert}[/itex]
that it isn't the correct Green function for the monodimensional case, that is

[itex]G(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}_1)=\frac{i}{2 k}e^{ik\vert x-x_1\vert}[/itex]

?Can you help me please?
 
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  • #2
The answer is that the Green function for the monodimensional case is only valid when the other two dimensions are constant. When you put a function of x in the equation, the solution becomes a three-dimensional Green's function instead of a one-dimensional Green's function.
 

1. What is the Green function for the Helmholtz differential equation?

The Green function for the Helmholtz differential equation is a mathematical function that describes the response of the system to a point source located at a specific position. It is used to solve the equation for a specific boundary condition and provides a general solution for the entire system.

2. How does the Green function change in the monodimensional limit?

In the monodimensional limit, the Green function simplifies to a one-dimensional function, as the equation only has one independent variable. This means that the solution for the Green function is a function of only one variable instead of multiple variables, making it easier to solve for specific boundary conditions.

3. What is the significance of the Green function in solving the Helmholtz equation?

The Green function is essential in solving the Helmholtz equation because it allows us to find a general solution for the system by taking into account the boundary conditions. It also provides a way to represent the solution as a superposition of simpler functions, making it easier to solve for more complex systems.

4. How does the Green function relate to the concept of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions?

The Green function is closely related to the concept of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions as it is the inverse of the operator in the Helmholtz equation. This means that the eigenfunctions of the operator are the solutions to the Helmholtz equation, and the eigenvalues determine the behavior of the system at different energy levels.

5. Can the Green function be used to solve other differential equations?

Yes, the Green function technique can be applied to other differential equations with different boundary conditions. It is a powerful mathematical tool that allows for the solution of complex systems in a more efficient and systematic way.

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