How to solve this boundary value problem-Method of separation of variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving boundary value problems using the method of separation of variables. Participants explore different formulations and approaches to the problems, including the derivation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, as well as the application of superposition methods.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a boundary value problem involving the Laplace equation and proposes a solution of the form $u(x,y)=X(x)Y(y)$, leading to separate equations for $X$ and $Y$.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative approach using a superposition of functions, proposing $u(x,y)=v(x,y)+s(x)$ and reformulating the boundary conditions accordingly.
  • There is a question about whether to set $\frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}=- \lambda$ or $\frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}= \lambda$, indicating uncertainty in the formulation of the separation of variables.
  • One participant inquires about the correctness of deriving the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions from the proposed problems and whether the derived expressions for $Y(y)$ are valid.
  • A later reply confirms the use of the separation of variables method and presents a solution involving a series expansion, but does not resolve the earlier questions about the formulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to the boundary value problems, with some favoring the separation of variables method and others exploring alternative formulations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method and the implications of the different formulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct application of boundary conditions and the implications of different formulations on the eigenvalue problems. There are unresolved questions about the relationships between the derived functions and the boundary conditions.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

I have a question.. (Wasntme)

When we have the following boundary value problem:
$$u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0, 0<x<a, 0<y<b (1)$$
$$u_x(0,y)=u_x(a,y)=0, 0<y<b$$
$$u(x,0)=x, u_y(x,b)=0, 0<x<a$$using the method of separation of variables, the solution would be of the form $u(x,y)=X(x) \cdot Y(y)$
$$(1) \Rightarrow X''Y+XY''=0 \Rightarrow \frac{X''}{X}+\frac{Y''}{Y}=0 \Rightarrow \frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}=- \lambda$$

So we have the following problems:
$$\left.\begin{matrix}
X''+\lambda X=0, 0<x<a\\
X'(0)=X'(a)=0
\end{matrix}\right\}(2)$$

and

$$\left.\begin{matrix}
Y''-\lambda Y=0, 0<y<b\\
Y'(b)=0
\end{matrix}\right\}(3)$$

$$u(x,0)=X(x)Y(0)=x$$

So solving the problem $(2)$ we get the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions.
If we have the following boundary value problem:
$$u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1 (1')$$
$$u(0,y)=0, u(1,y)= \sin{(\pi y)} \cos{(\pi y)}, 0<y<1$$
$$u(x,0)=u(x,1)=0, 0<x<1$$

using the method of separation of variables, the solution would be of the form $u(x,y)=X(x) \cdot Y(y)$
$$(1') \Rightarrow X''Y+XY''=0 \Rightarrow \frac{X''}{X}+\frac{Y''}{Y}=0 \Rightarrow \frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}= \lambda$$

So we have the following problems:
$$\left.\begin{matrix}
X''-\lambda X=0, 0<x<1\\
X(0)=0
\end{matrix}\right\}(2')$$

and

$$\left.\begin{matrix}
Y''+\lambda Y=0, 0<y<1\\
Y(0)=Y(1)=0
\end{matrix}\right\}(3')$$

$$u(1,y)=X(1)Y(y)= \sin{(\pi y)} \cos{(\pi y)}$$

So do we have to solve in this case the problem $(3')$ to find the eigenvalues nd the corresponding eigenfunctions?
Or did I have to set $\frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}=- \lambda$ instead of $\frac{X''}{X}=- \frac{Y''}{Y}= \lambda$, as at the other boundary value problem? (Wondering)
 
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Or could we solve this problem as followed? (Wondering)

$$u(x,y)=v(x,y)+s(x)$$

$$v_{xx}+v_{yy}+s''(x)=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1$$
$$v(0,y)+s(0)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(1,y)+s(1)=\sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)}, 0<y<1$$
$$v(x,0)+s(x)=v(x,1)+s(x)=0, 0<x<1$$

So we have the following problems:

$$s''(x)=0, 0<x<1$$
$$s(0)=0, s(1)= \sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)}$$

$$v_{xx}+v_{yy}=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1$$
$$v(0,y)=0, v(1,y)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(x,0)=v(x,1)=-s(x), 0<x<1$$
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mathmari said:
Or could we solve this problem as followed? (Wondering)

$$u(x,y)=v(x,y)+s(x)$$

$$v_{xx}+v_{yy}+s''(x)=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1$$
$$v(0,y)+s(0)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(1,y)+s(1)=\sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)}, 0<y<1$$
$$v(x,0)+s(x)=v(x,1)+s(x)=0, 0<x<1$$

So we have the following problems:

$$s''(x)=0, 0<x<1$$
$$s(0)=0, s(1)= \sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)}$$

$$v_{xx}+v_{yy}=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1$$
$$v(0,y)=0, v(1,y)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(x,0)=v(x,1)=-s(x), 0<x<1$$

The solution of the problem $$s''(x)=0, 0<x<1$$
$$s(0)=0, s(1)= \sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)}$$
is $s(x)=\sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)} x$, isn't it? (Wondering)To solve the problem $$v_{xx}+v_{yy}=0, 0<x<1, 0<y<1$$
$$v(0,y)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(1,y)=0, 0<y<1$$
$$v(x,0)=v(x,1)=-s(x), 0<x<1$$
we use the method of separation of variables, the solution is of the form $v(x,y)=X(x)Y(y)$

So we become the following two problems:

$$\left.\begin{matrix}
X''+ \lambda X=0, 0<x<1\\
X(0)=X(1)=0
\end{matrix}\right\}(*)$$

$$\left.\begin{matrix}
Y''- \lambda Y=0, 0<x<1\\
Y(0)=Y(1)=-s(x)=-\sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)} x
\end{matrix}\right\}(**)$$

Right? (Wondering)

From the problem $(*)$ we get that the eigenvalues are $\lambda_n=n^2 \pi^2$ and the corresponding eigenfunctions are $X_n(x)=\sin{(n \pi x)}$.

From the problem $(**)$, we get $Y(y)=c_n e^{-n \pi y}+d_n e^{n \pi y}$, don't we?

$Y(0)=-s(x) \Rightarrow c_n+d_n=-\sin{( \pi y)} \cos{( \pi y)} x$
Is this relation correct? Can we set at the left part $y=0$ and the right part of the relation there is still the variable $y$? (Wondering)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Erm... this seems to be quite a work in progress... (Sweating)

You seem to know what you're doing! (Nod)

Or do you still have questions? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Erm... this seems to be quite a work in progress... (Sweating)

You seem to know what you're doing! (Nod)

Or do you still have questions? (Wondering)

I finally used the first way I mentioned at my first post, I mean using the method of separation of variables ($u(x,y)=X(x)Y(y)$) and found that $Y_n(y)=\sin{(n \pi y)}$ and $X_n(x)=A_n \sinh{(n \pi x)}$. So the solution is $$u(x,y)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{A_n \sinh{(n \pi x)}\sin{(n \pi y)}}$$
Then using the conditions the final solution is $$u(x,y)=\frac{1}{2 \sinh{(2 \pi})} \sinh{(2 \pi x)} \sin{(2 \pi y)}$$ which satisfies the conditions! (Sun)
 

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