Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving Laplace's equation within a circular annulus defined by the boundaries \( a < r < b \) with Neumann boundary conditions. The solution approach involves assuming a separable form \( u(r,\theta) = G(r)\phi(\theta) \), leading to differential equations for \( \phi \) and \( G \). The resulting functions are \( \phi = A\cos{\lambda\theta} + B\sin{\lambda\theta} \) and \( G = c_{1n}r^{-n} + c_{2n}r^n \) for \( n \neq 0 \), with a logarithmic term for \( n = 0 \). The user seeks clarification on setting the constant \( A_{02} \) to satisfy both boundary conditions simultaneously.

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Homework Statement


Solve Laplace's equation inside a circular annulus [itex](a<r<b)[/itex] subject to the boundary conditions [itex]\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(a,\theta) = f(\theta)\text{, }\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(b,\theta) = g(\theta)[/itex]


Homework Equations


Assume solutions of the form [itex]u(r,\theta) = G(r)\phi(\theta)[/itex]. This leads to an equation for phi and G, both of which can be solved by substitution:

[tex] \frac{d^2\phi}{{d\theta}^2} = -\lambda^2\phi[/tex]
[tex] \phi = A\cos{\lambda\theta} + B\sin{\lambda\theta}[/tex]

[tex] r^2\frac{d^2G}{{dr}^2} + r\frac{dG}{dr} - n^2G = 0[/tex]
[tex] G = c_{1n}r^{-n} + c_{2n}r^n\text{ for } n\ne0[/tex]
[tex] G = c_{10} + c_{20}\ln(r)\text{ for } n=0[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Periodic boundary conditions require that u and its derivative with respect to theta be continuous between -pi and pi. Then means [itex]\lambda = n[/itex] for all n greater than or equal to zero. We can write,

[tex] u(r,\theta) = &\, A_{01} + A_{02}\ln(r) + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(A_{n1}r^n + A_{n2}r^{-n})\cos{n\theta} + (B_{n1}r^n + B_{n2}r^{-n})\sin{n\theta}[/tex]
[tex] \frac{\partial{u(r,\theta)}}{\partial{r}} = &\, A_{02}r^{-1} + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(nA_{n1}r^{n-1} + -nA_{n2}r^{-n-1})\cos{n\theta} + (nB_{n1}r^{n-1} - nB_{n2}r^{-n-1})\sin{n\theta} [/tex]

I know that I can set everything in parentheses in front of the cosines and sines above equal to some constant when I set r=a,b to enforce the boundary conditions on the edge of the annulus. This leaves me with two equations in two unknowns for all the A's and B's with n greater than 1. My problem is how to set [itex]A_{02}[/tex] such that it will work at both boundaries. It seems like I really need two constants to match to the boundary for when [tex]n=0[/tex]. Am I missing something?<br /> <br /> Thanks for your help![/itex]
 
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