How can I verify the solution for Poisson equation with forgotten factor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying a proposed solution to the Poisson equation of the form L2 ∂2f/∂x2 = sinh(f). Participants express concerns about potential errors in the solution and explore the implications of the equation involving partial derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the use of partial derivatives in the equation, suggesting it should be expressed with ordinary derivatives since f appears to be a function of x alone.
  • One participant attempts to differentiate the proposed solution, leading to complex expressions that do not align with the expected result of 1/L2 sinh(f).
  • Another participant suggests multiplying both sides of the equation by df/dx and integrating, leading to a derived expression for df/dx.
  • There is a mention of a trigonometric transformation that appears to validate the solution under certain conditions.
  • Participants express uncertainty about where the error might lie in the original article or in their own simulations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the proposed solution, and multiple competing views about the formulation and verification of the equation remain. The discussion reflects uncertainty and ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential oversight of factors in the proposed solution, the complexity of the derived expressions, and the dependence on the specific conditions provided (e.g., limit conditions at -∞).

baptiste
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Hello

I have a physics article who solve Poisson equation of the form:

L22f/∂x2=sinh(f)

The proposed solution is:

tanh(f/4)=exp(x/L) tanh(f0/4)

with f0 a constant

I suspect an error, something like a forgotten factor.

How can I verify? (I tried but I failed)

I forgot the limit conditions:

x belong to [-∞,0] and f and its first dérivative are null at -∞Thanks
 
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baptiste said:
Hello

I have a physics article who solve Poisson equation of the form:

L22f/∂x2=sinh(f)
Is there some reason this equation involves partial derivatives? From the proposed solution f appears to be a function of x alone.
If so, the above should be ##L^2\frac{d^2 f}{dx^2} = \sinh(f)##
baptiste said:
The proposed solution is:

tanh(f/4)=exp(x/L) tanh(f0/4)

with f0 a constant

I suspect an error, something like a forgotten factor.

How can I verify? (I tried but I failed)
Please show us what you tried.
baptiste said:
I forgot the limit conditions:

x belong to [-∞,0] and f and its first dérivative are null at -∞Thanks
 
Yes you are right, f is a single variable function, so the equation is
L2d2f/dx2=sinh(f)
Sorry for the error.

So I tried to derivate the expression tanh(f/4)=exp(x/L) tanh(f0/4) or f=4*atanh(exp(x/L) tanh(f0/4)) two times (both forms).
That leads to huge expressions which have nothing to do with the supposed result 1/L2 sinh(f)

Thanks for your help
 
Multiple both sides by ##\frac{df}{dx}##. Then you get $$L^2 \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} \frac{df}{dx} = sinh(f) \frac{df}{dx}.$$ Notice that ##\frac{d^2f}{dx^2} \frac{df}{dx} = \frac{1}{2} \frac{d}{dx} (\frac{df}{dx})^2 ##. Integrate both sides with respect to x and you get $$L^2(\frac{df}{dx})^2 = 2\int sinh(f) df = 2 cosh(f) + C.$$

So, $$L\frac{df}{dx} = \pm \sqrt{2cosh(f) + C}.$$ I think this is as simplified as it gets...
 
Yes OK I see
If we take the given solution, we have Ldf/dx=1/L (cosh(f/4)) sinh(f/4)
then by some trigonometric transformation we get
L df/dx=+/- sqrt(2 cosh(f)-2).
So the solution is true.

I will read the article one more time to find where is the bug in my simulations.

And I will try to learn matjax next time

Thank you
 

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