Laplace's Equation Solution in 2D

In summary: Therefore, you can write the solution as the sum of two separate solutions, with each one satisfying a different set of boundary conditions.
  • #1
neutrino2063
7
0
I am using separation of variables and superposition to solve:

[tex]u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0;
for (x,y) \in (0,L) [/tex] X [tex] (0,H)[/tex]
[tex]u(0,y)=f(y);
u(L,y)=0;
u(x,0)=g(x);
u(x,H)=0[/tex]

Is it correct to assume that I can write my solution as:
[tex]u=u_1+u_2[/tex]

Where:
[tex]u_1[/tex]
is the solution with BC
[tex]u(0,y)=0;
u(L,y)=0;
u(x,0)=g(x);
u(x,H)=0[/tex]

And:
[tex]u_2[/tex]
is the solution with BC
[tex]u(x,0)=0;
u(x,H)=0;
u(0,y)=f(y);
u(L,y)=0[/tex]
 
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  • #2
neutrino2063 said:
I am using separation of variables and superposition to solve:

[tex]u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0;
for (x,y) \in (0,L) [/tex] X [tex] (0,H)[/tex]
[tex]u(0,y)=f(y);
u(L,y)=0;
u(x,0)=g(x);
u(x,H)=0[/tex]

Is it correct to assume that I can write my solution as:
[tex]u=u_1+u_2[/tex]

Where:
[tex]u_1[/tex]
is the solution with BC
[tex]u(0,y)=0;
u(L,y)=0;
u(x,0)=g(x);
u(x,H)=0[/tex]

And:
[tex]u_2[/tex]
is the solution with BC
[tex]u(x,0)=0;
u(x,H)=0;
u(0,y)=f(y);
u(L,y)=0[/tex]

Yes, your assumption looks fine; because Laplace's equation is linear, any solution to it will obey the superposition principle. This means that if you find one solution that satisfies one set of boundary conditions, and another solution that satisfies a different set of boundary conditions, The superposition of the two solutions will satisfy the sum of the two sets of boundary conditions.
 

1. What is Laplace's equation in 2D?

Laplace's equation in 2D is a partial differential equation that describes the distribution of a scalar field in two dimensions. It is used to model various physical phenomena, such as heat conduction, fluid flow, and electrostatics.

2. How is Laplace's equation solved in 2D?

Laplace's equation in 2D is typically solved using the method of separation of variables. This involves breaking down the equation into simpler equations that can be solved separately, and then combining the solutions to get the overall solution.

3. What are the boundary conditions for Laplace's equation in 2D?

The boundary conditions for Laplace's equation in 2D are the values of the scalar field at the boundaries of the region being studied. These values are typically specified in the problem or can be derived from physical considerations.

4. What are the applications of Laplace's equation in 2D?

Laplace's equation in 2D has numerous applications in physics, engineering, and mathematics. It is used to study heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and other physical phenomena. It is also used in image and signal processing, as well as in the study of complex systems.

5. What are some limitations of Laplace's equation in 2D?

Laplace's equation in 2D assumes that the scalar field being studied is continuous and differentiable, which may not always be the case in real-world applications. Additionally, it is a linear equation, so it cannot accurately model nonlinear phenomena. Finally, it is a steady-state equation, meaning it does not take into account changes over time.

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