Mathematica : NDSolve on 2-D steady state heat eqn

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving the 2-D steady state heat equation using NDSolve in Mathematica. The user attempts to implement the equation −k∇²u = e^{-(x²+y²)} for a 10 x 10 unit plate but encounters an error indicating that the equations are not differential equations. The solution involves correctly defining the Laplacian as Laplacian[u[x,y], {x,y}] to ensure that the variable u depends on both x and y, thereby resolving the issue.

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  • Knowledge of the Poisson equation and its applications in heat transfer
  • Basic concepts of numerical methods for solving partial differential equations
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Swamp Thing
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I am trying to implement this equation ##−k∇^2 u = e^{-(x^2+y^2)}##
using NDSolve in Mathematica. The idea is to solve for the temperature of a plate 10 x 10 units, with heat inputs as per the RHS.
Here is my attempt:
Code:
NDSolve[{ - Laplacian[u, {x, y}] == Exp[-(x^2 + y^2)], u[x, -5] == 0,
  u[x, 5] == 0, u[-5, y] == 0, u[5, y] == 0}, u, {x, -5, 5}, {y, -5,
  5}]

I get this error:
Code:
NDSolve::ndode: The equations {0==E^(-x^2-y^2)} are not
 differential equations or initial conditions
in the dependent variables {u}.

What is my mistake?
 
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The u in your Laplacian does not depend on x or y so the result is zero.

Try Laplacian[u[x,y],{x,y}]

Edit: Note on nomenclature: The stationary heat equation is the Poisson equation.
 
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