Non-Homogeneous Robin Boundary conditions and Interpretations of Signs

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the constant coefficient 1D advection-diffusion equation represented by the formula ##\frac{\partial c}{\partial t} + v\frac{\partial c}{\partial x} = D\frac{\partial^2 c}{\partial x^2}##, specifically under non-homogeneous Robin boundary conditions. The user explores the implications of the signs of the diffusive flux terms in the boundary conditions at x=L and x=0, questioning the physical interpretation of these signs and their effect on flux direction. Numerical experiments conducted in MATLAB using the Crank-Nicolson method reveal confusion regarding the expected influx and efflux at the boundaries, particularly when manipulating the parameters ##J^{f/b}##.

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  • Understanding of the 1D advection-diffusion equation
  • Knowledge of Robin boundary conditions
  • Familiarity with MATLAB and the Crank-Nicolson method
  • Proficiency in interpreting mathematical notation, especially in LaTeX
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physical interpretations of Robin boundary conditions in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about the Crank-Nicolson method for solving partial differential equations in MATLAB
  • Investigate the role of normal vectors in determining flux direction at boundaries
  • Explore numerical stability issues in finite difference methods for advection-diffusion equations
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Researchers, mathematicians, and engineers working with fluid dynamics, numerical methods for PDEs, and those seeking to understand boundary condition effects on flux in advection-diffusion scenarios.

ConicalDrupe
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TL;DR
When dealing with the advection-diffusion equation with robin conditions. How may we control the direction and magnitude of flux in a variety of situations?
I have been solving the constant coefficient 1D advection-diffusion equation ##\frac{\partial c}{\partial t} + v\frac{\partial c}{\partial x} = D\frac{\partial^2 c}{\partial x^2}## on ##0<x<L,t>0## with a variety of robin BC's.
Namely $$vc + D\frac{\partial c}{\partial x} = J^f ~~at~~ x=L $$ $$vc - D\frac{\partial c}{\partial x} = J^b ~~at~~ x=0$$
When ##J^{f/b}=0##, we have a perfect insulating boundary. Wikipedia states the reasoning behind the signs of the diffusive flux term in the BC's. Positive at x=L because the normal points in the positive direction, and negative at x=0 because the normal points in the negative direction.

I have two main questions coming from this scenario.
(1) What is the physical interpretation of changing the sign of the diffusive flux term in the BC? For ex. ##vc - D\frac{\partial c}{\partial x} = J^f ~~at~~ x=L ## and ##J^f## is positive, does this mean we have an influx or efflux at x=L? Is there a way of understanding these cases in terms of direction using normal vectors?
(2) How can we control the direction of the flux if ##J^{f/b}## is a parameter of our choosing? Obviously choosing ##J^{f/b} \neq 0## gives us control on flux passing at the boundary, but does ##J^{f/b}>0## or ##J^{f/b}<0## have a predicted effect on the direction flux travels?

I have run a few numerical experiments in MATLAB using the Crank-Nicolson method with the two types of robin bc's above. One BC set with positive diffusive flux at x=L and negative at x=0. The other has negative diffusive flux at both x=0 and x=L. The results are confusing to me, and could be due to numerical issues. My goal is to have ##J^{f/b}>0## and have influx at x=L and efflux at x=0. None of my experiments so far have shown this result.
 
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You really need to use LateX for these equations, for me personally. I think others will be similarly disposed. FYI
It will only hurt for a while, but it is a pain..
 
hutchphd said:
You really need to use LateX for these equations, for me personally. I think others will be similarly disposed. FYI
It will only hurt for a while, but it is a pain..
Thanks for the response, I completely agree! I had great difficulty with mathJax and my browser, it is slightly less painful the second and third time
 

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