How Does Separation of Variables Solve the DFQ Dirichlet Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation ∇²u=0 using separation of variables. The user successfully derived the Y-equation, Y'' - λY = 0, and determined that A=0, leading to the solution Y_n(y) = B sinh(ny). The potential solution is expressed as u(x,y) = ∑ b_n sin(nx) sinh(ny), which satisfies three boundary conditions, leaving the fourth condition u(x, 2π) = 1 to be addressed with the coefficients b_n.

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Homework Statement



∇[itex]^{2}[/itex]u=0 on 0<x<∏, 0<y<2∏
subject to u(0,y)=u(∏,y)=0
and u(x,0)=0, u(x,2∏)=1

Homework Equations



--

The Attempt at a Solution



I've solved the SLP, and now I am trying to solve the Y-equation that results from separation of variables:

Y''-λY=0, Y(0)=0
Y[itex]_{n}[/itex](y)=Acosh(ny)+Bsinh(ny)
Y(0)=(0)=Acosh(n*0)+Bsinh(n*0)[itex]\Rightarrow[/itex]A=0

Doesn't this effectively "kill" the problem? Or is this the solution:
Y[itex]_{n}[/itex](y)=Bsinh(ny)
 
Last edited:
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jake2 said:

Homework Statement



∇[itex]^{2}[/itex]u=0 on 0<x<∏, 0<y<2∏
subject to u(0,y)=u(∏,y)=0
and u(x,0)=0, u(x,2∏)=1

Homework Equations



--

The Attempt at a Solution



I've solved the SLP, and now I am trying to solve the Y-equation that results from separation of variables:

Y''-λY=0, Y(0)=0
Y[itex]_{n}[/itex](y)=Acosh(ny)+Bsinh(ny)
Y(0)=(0)=Acosh(n*0)+Bsinh(n*0)[itex]\Rightarrow[/itex]A=0

Doesn't this effectively "kill" the problem? Or is this the solution:
Y[itex]_{n}[/itex](y)=Bsinh(ny)

Well, so far you have ##X_n(x) = \sin(nx)## and ##Y_n(y) = \sinh ny## so your potential solution is $$
u(x,y)=\sum_{n=1}^\infty b_n\sin(nx)\sinh(ny)$$ which satisfies 3 of the four boundary conditions. You still have all the ##b_n## to use. So you need$$
u(x,2\pi)=\sum_{n=1}^\infty b_n\sin(nx)\sinh(2n\pi)=1$$I'm guessing you know how to do that.
 
Last edited:

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