Laplaces Equation with Fourier Series

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving Laplace's equation using Fourier series, specifically for a square wave defined on the unit circle. The user seeks assistance in deriving the Fourier series for the function \( u(r, \theta) \) that satisfies both Laplace's equation and the given boundary conditions. The Fourier series for the square wave is established as \( \hat u(\theta) = \frac{4}{\pi} \left(\frac{\sin \theta}{1}+\frac{\sin 3\theta}{3}+\frac{\sin 5\theta}{5}+\ldots \right) \). The user aims to construct a function \( \hat u(r, \theta) \) of the form \( u = a_0 + a_1 r \cos \theta + b_1 r \sin \theta + a_2 r^2 \cos 2\theta + b_2 r^2 \sin 2\theta \) that meets the specified boundary conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplace's equation
  • Familiarity with Fourier series and their applications
  • Knowledge of boundary value problems in partial differential equations
  • Basic trigonometric identities and series expansion techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Fourier series for piecewise continuous functions
  • Learn about boundary value problems in polar coordinates
  • Explore the application of Fourier series in solving Laplace's equation
  • Investigate the convergence properties of Fourier series
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on partial differential equations, Fourier analysis, and boundary value problems. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Laplace's equation solutions using Fourier series.

FrogPad
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Ok, I'm going to bed. But I have to ask ANOTHER question about my homework... so I can get up early and work on it.

Q: Around the unit circle suppose [itex]u[/itex] is a square wave:

[tex]u_0 = \left\{\begin{array}{c} +1 \,\,\,\, on\,the\,upper\,semicircle \,\,\,\, 0<\theta < \pi \\ -1 \,\,\,\, on\,the\,lower\,semicircle \,\,\,\, -\pi < \theta < 0 \end{array}[/tex]

From the Fourier series for the square wave write down the Fourer series for u (the solution (21) to Laplace's equation). What is the value of [itex]u[/itex] at the orgin?

I'm seriously having trouble with Fourier series. Not clicking yet. So ANY help on this problem would be awesome. Stratagies on how to go about solving something like this. Insight of any sort. Anything !I think this is what I have to do... but I'm not sure :(

What I have so far:
[tex]\hat u(\theta) = \frac{4}{\pi} \left(\frac{\sin \theta}{1}+\frac{\sin 3\theta}{3}+\frac{\sin 5\theta}{5}+\ldots \left)[/tex]

So this is the Fourier series for the boundary condition.
I now need a function [itex]u(r,\theta)[/itex] that satisfies Laplaces equation and the boundary condition.

The Fourier series function [itex]\hat u(r,\theta)[/itex] of the form:
[tex]u = a_0 + a_1 r \cos \theta + b_1 r \sin \theta +a_2 r^2 \cos 2\theta + b_2 r^2 \sin 2\theta [/itex] satisfies Laplaces equation.<br /> <br /> So now I have to find a way to make [itex]\hat u[/itex] satisfy the boundary condition such that:<br /> [tex]\hat u = 1[/tex] when [tex]0 < \theta \pi[/tex]<br /> [tex]\hat u = -1[/tex] when [tex]-pi < \theta < 0[/tex]<br /> <br /> I'm not really sure if my thought process is even right. So a little guidance to get on track would be awesome. Have a good night everyone.[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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I figured this out. Sorry, if you read all that.
 

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