Laplace's equation on a rectangle (mixed bndy)

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving Laplace's equation on a rectangle with mixed boundary conditions. The equation presented is Uxx + Uyy = 0, with specific boundary conditions: Ux(0,y) = a, Ux(1,y) = 0, U(x,0) = 0, and Uy(x,1) = 0. The user initially attempted a separable solution but concluded that for non-trivial solutions, the constant 'a' must equal zero, leading to U(x,y) = 0. This indicates that the problem requires careful consideration of boundary conditions to find valid solutions.

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lordofspace
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Homework Statement



I'm having issues with a deceptively simple Laplace problem. If anybody could point me in the right direction it would be fantastic.

It's just Laplace's equation on the square [0.1]x[0,1] (or any rectangle you like) with a mixed boundary.

Homework Equations



Uxx+Uyy=0
Ux(0,y)= a (some constant)
Ux(1,y)= 0
U(x,0)=0
Uy(x,1)=0

The Attempt at a Solution



The main thing I've tried is just an ordinary seperable solution, but it's definitely not seperable. I need something different.
 
Last edited:
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Actually, it is separable. Just let U(x,y)=A(x)B(y).

EDIT: It seems to me that if a isn't zero, B(y) must be a constant function since by the first condition,
[tex]U_x(0,y)=A'(0)B(y)=a \Rightarrow B(y)=\frac{a}{A'(0)}=\text{constant}.\qquad (1)[/tex]
Further, by the third condition, either A(x)=0 for all x or B(0)=0. If A(x)=0, then clearly U(x,y)=0. If B(0)=0 (and a is nonzero), then by (1), B(y)=0 for all y, so U(x,y)=0. Thus, in order for U(x,y) to be non-trivial, a must be zero.
 
Last edited:

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