Undergrad Non-Homogeneous Robin Boundary conditions and Interpretations of Signs

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the 1D advection-diffusion equation with Robin boundary conditions and the implications of sign changes in the diffusive flux terms. The user seeks to understand the physical interpretation of these signs, particularly how they relate to influx and efflux at the boundaries, and how the choice of parameters affects flux direction. Numerical experiments conducted in MATLAB using the Crank-Nicolson method yielded confusing results, particularly regarding the desired influx at x=L and efflux at x=0. The conversation also highlights challenges with using LaTeX for mathematical expressions, indicating a shared frustration among participants. Overall, the thread emphasizes the complexities of boundary conditions in mathematical modeling and numerical simulations.
ConicalDrupe
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K