Laplace's equation (2D, cartesian)

[JJfortherear]

Homework Statement

Rectangular pipe, infinite in the z direction. The sides in the y-z plane (at x=0 and x=a) are held at V=0, while the sides in the x-z plane (at y=0 and y=b) are held at V=V₀

Explain why there cannot be a non-trivial solution to this configuration.

Homework Equations

General form of solution is (A*e^ky + B*e^-ky)*(C*sin(kx)+D*cos(kx))

D is zero from b.c. (V=0 at x=0)

The Attempt at a Solution

So Griffiths has this problem (and a non-trivial solution), except the pipe is symmetric about the x axis, so V(y)=V(-y), and from that, A=B. My version lacks this symmetry (and thus lacks enough conditions to solve for the constants), but I can't imagine the solutions fly out the window just from a shift of coordinates. Any help?

 

[gabbagabbahey]

I agree with you (and Griffiths), a non-trivial solution does exist.