Green's Function Solution to ODE. Boundary Conditions Problem.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) \(\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} + y = \csc x\) using Green's Functions, with boundary conditions \(y(0) = y(\frac{\pi}{2}) = 0\). The complementary solution involves sine and cosine terms, with the Green's function \(G(x,z)\) defined piecewise for \(x < z\) and \(x > z\). The participants clarify that coefficients \(B\) and \(C\) must be zero due to the boundary conditions, leading to a simplified form of the solution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the interval \([0, \frac{\pi}{2}]\) for both \(x\) and \(z\) in applying these conditions.

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LukeMiller86
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Use Green's Functions to solve:

[tex]\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} + y = cosec x[/tex]

Subject to the boundary conditions:

[tex]y\left(0\right) = y\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 0[/tex]

Attempt:

[tex]\frac{d^{2}G\left(x,z\right)}{dx^{2}} + G\left(x,z\right) = \delta\left(x-z\right)[/tex]

For [tex]x\neq z[/tex] the RHS is zero so the complementary solution consists of sinx and cosx terms but with different superpositions on either side of x = z since the first derivative is required to have a discontinuity there.

Assume a form [tex]G\left(x,z\right) = A\left(z\right)sinx + B\left(z\right)cosx[/tex] for x < z

and [tex]G\left(x,z\right) = C\left(z\right)sinx + D\left(z\right)cosx[/tex] for x > z

I'm just following an example from a book that then continues to state that according to the boundary conditions B and C are equal to zero, seems simple but I'm unclear as to how they achieve this. I don't see how to apply this and discern B and C being zero, I seem to just find A,B,C and D all zero. Also how would one proceed in the case of the boundary conditions stating G and its first derivative equal to zero and achieve A and B zero?

Cheers
 
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Okay, for the first one is it the case that x is valid over the interval [tex]\left[0<x<\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/tex], therefore z is valid over the same interval? That seems to solve my problem with the maths.

For the second boundary case would it be that it is equally possible to say A = B = 0 as it is to say C = D = 0.

Thanks.
 

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