Green Functions: Finding Solutions for Equations of All Types & Dimensions

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a comprehensive list of Green functions applicable to various types of equations and dimensions. Participants explore the nature of Green functions, their dependence on boundary conditions, and the challenges in finding tabulated resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a need for a list of Green functions for different equations and dimensions, indicating difficulty in finding such resources online.
  • One participant clarifies that Green functions are distinct from Green's Theorem and emphasize their dependence on boundary conditions and the specific differential equations being used.
  • Another participant mentions that Green functions are not limited to the Laplacian operator, asserting their applicability under arbitrary differential operators.
  • Several participants note the existence of an infinite number of Green functions, as any function whose Laplacian equals a delta function qualifies as a Green function.
  • Some participants reference specific examples of Green functions for various equations, including Laplace, Helmholtz, and diffusion equations, while expressing frustration over the lack of comprehensive tables in mathematical handbooks.
  • Participants suggest resources, including textbooks and online links, that may contain relevant information about Green functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity and variability of Green functions, noting their dependence on boundary conditions and the types of differential equations. However, there is no consensus on the availability of comprehensive lists or tables of Green functions, with some asserting their non-existence.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the search for Green functions is complicated by their dependence on specific conditions and the infinite nature of such functions. There is also mention of varying definitions and contexts in which Green functions are applied.

JohanL
Messages
154
Reaction score
0
I need a list of Green functions,
for different types of equations and dimensions.

I have tried to use google but with no success.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I got a bunch of hits with a google for "green's theorem", but I'm not sure if there are other functions you're looking for.
 
Green functions are not the same thing as Green's Theorem.

I can't honestly say that I have seen anything tabulated. I can't say that I have ever looked for anything like that though either. I was always under the impression that green fuctions are dependent on boundary conditions and the Diff. Eq's being used. I'll keep my eyes open to see if I find anything. You might try searching with "Green's functions" as well. I have heard them referred to in both ways.

EDIT: The first hit I got using the "green's function" search...
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/GreensFunction.html
 
FredGarvin said:
I can't honestly say that I have seen anything tabulated. I can't say that I have ever looked for anything like that though either. I was always under the impression that green fuctions are dependent on boundary conditions and the Diff. Eq's being used. I'll keep my eyes open to see if I find anything. You might try searching with "Green's functions" as well. I have heard them referred to in both ways.
Thx. Yes they are dependent on boundary conditions. But for the more simple cases i was sure to find tables of green functions.

Something like

-\frac {1} {2\pi}ln(\rho_1- \rho_2) ;\frac {i} {4}H_0[k(\rho_1- \rho_2)];\frac {1} {2\pi}K_0[k(\rho_1- \rho_2)]

for Laplace, Helmholtz and modified Helmholtz in the plane when G goes to 0 as r goes to infinity.
And also in 3 dimensions, for a sphere with homegenous diricihlet on the boundary, the diffusion equation, the wave equation etc.

Green functions are very useful when solving P.D.E and therefor i thought i could find some good tables. But none of my mathematical handbooks have this and i haven't found any on internet yet either.
 
Last edited:
JohanL said:
I need a list of Green functions,
for different types of equations and dimensions.

I have tried to use google but with no success.
There exists no such list since a "Green Function" is any function whose Laplacian equals \delta(|x-x'|). There is an infinity of such functions.

Pete
 
Green functions are not confined to differential equations containing the Laplacian, they work under an arbitrary differential operator. The Green function is by definition the solution to a differential equation under application of a unit impulse source term. The beautiful thing about Green functions is that once I know the solution for a unit impulse, I can obtain the solution for an arbitrary source by a convolution of the Green function with that source. This is of course predicated on linearity of the solutions.
 
Check out the first chapter or two of Jackson Electrodynamics for everything you would ever care to know about green functions.
 
pmb_phy said:
There exists no such list since a "Green Function" is any function whose Laplacian equals \delta(|x-x'|). There is an infinity of such functions.

Thats the Green function for the Laplace operator.
How is a general green function different from general solutions to ODEs, integrals etc? There are tables of those.
I found a short table of green functions in Arfken.
 
WMGoBuffs said:
Check out the first chapter or two of Jackson Electrodynamics for everything you would ever care to know about green functions.

Thx, but that's probably Laplace and Poisson differential operator only?
 
  • #10
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Thanks for your answer!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K