How Can I Evaluate Integrals Involving Hankel Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating integrals involving Hankel functions, specifically the integral formula from Gradshteyn and Ryzhik, which involves the Hankel function of the first kind, H_0^{(1)}. The user seeks techniques for solving this integral, considering recursion relations and contour integrals. References to foundational texts by W. Magnus and F. Oberhettinger are provided, highlighting their significance in understanding special functions. The user expresses difficulty in obtaining these texts and questions their utility for learning new evaluation techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hankel functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with integral calculus and complex analysis
  • Knowledge of recursion relations in special functions
  • Experience with numerical integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Hankel functions in detail
  • Learn about contour integration techniques in complex analysis
  • Explore numerical methods for evaluating singular integrals
  • Research the texts "Formulas and Theorems for the Special Functions of Mathematical Physics" by W. Magnus and F. Oberhettinger
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with electromagnetic fields, particularly those involved in simulations and evaluations of integrals related to Hankel functions and special functions in mathematical physics.

spainchaud
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In Gradshteyn and Ryzhik there is a formula 6.616 number 3

[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} e^{itx} H_0^{(1)}(r\sqrt{\alpha^2 - t^2}) dt = -2i \frac{e^{i\alpha\sqrt{r^2 + x^2}}}{\sqrt{r^2 + x^2}}[/tex]

I need to learn the techniques to evaluate this integral and similar integrals. I am not sure if I use recursion relations, contour integrals, or a combination of both.

Background:
The solution for the fields of a magnetic dipole in a stratified medium have been detailed by Tang, Electromagnetic Fields due to Dipole Antenna Embedded in Stratified Anisotropic Medium, and by Kong, Electromagnetic Fields due to Dipole Antennas over Stratified Anisotropic media. Kong references a variation of the equation above as an identity. I need to program a simulation from their formulation. To do this I will need solve many integrals similar to the one above. I could try a straight numerical integration but, a problem occurs when

[tex] r=0[/tex]

because the Hankel function is singular. For this case, and maybe some others, I will need to develop an analytic solution. Any hints would be appreciated.
 
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Doesn't Gradstein give a reference for the derivation? Usually that's a good place to learn how to evaluate this kind of integrals.
 
Very good question. Yes, there is a reference.

W. Magnus, F. Oberhettinger
Formeln und Sätzen für die speziellen Funktionen der Mathematischen Physik
Springer Verlag, Berlin 1948

There is a translated version:
Formulas and theorems for the special functions of mathematical physics
Chelsea Publishing Co. 1949

And this much expanded version
Formulas and Theorems for the Special Functions of Mathematical Physics.
By WILHELM MAGNUS, FRITZ OBERHETTINGER and RAZ PAL SONI. Springer-
Verlag New York Inc., New York, 1966.

So far I have been unable to get hold of a copy. I tried to buy a PDF copy of the expanded version from SIAM for $25. I was surprised to get a 1 page review of the book. There was nothing on the reciept to indicate it was a review and not a journal article. I didn't realize it was a book until I read the review. Still not worth $25.

This would be a great book to have in my library. However, from the review

"As in previous editions the book contains almost no expository material, merely
lists of formulas and theorems."

So I doubt that I would learn any new techniques.


BTW, I think I posted this thread in the wrong forum section, probably should be in the calculus section. Then again Hankel functions are solutions of PDEs. I didn't notice a special functions section.
 

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