Partial Differentiation Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a partial differential equation (PDE) related to the function φ, which is expressed in terms of the variables ρ, χ, and Z. The original poster attempts to separate variables to simplify the equation and is seeking guidance on how to solve the resulting PDEs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest classifying the PDE based on its characteristics (hyperbolic, elliptic, parabolic) and question the implications of the choice of ρ. Others propose multiplying the equation by ρ² to facilitate variable separation. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the separation of variables and the presence of ρ² in the resulting equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering suggestions for approaches to the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the classification of the PDE or the method of separation, but multiple lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided boundary conditions for the problem, which may influence the approach to finding a solution. There is also mention of specific ranges for the variables involved.

Lucky mkhonza
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Hi to all,

I have been given the following problem as an assignment.

[tex]\frac{\partial ^2 \phi}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{1}{\rho}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial \rho} + \frac{1}{\rho^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial \chi^2} + \frac{\partial ^2 \phi}{\partial Z^2}+B^2\phi = 0[/tex]

Here is my attempt to the problem:
Assuming [tex]\phi = S(\rho,\chi)Z(z)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi)}\frac{\partial ^2 S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi) \rho }\frac{\partial S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \rho} + \frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi) \rho^2}\frac{\partial S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \chi^2} + \frac {1}{Z}\frac{\partial ^2 Z}{\partial Z^2} + B^2 = 0[/tex]

Separating the variables we get

[tex]\frac{\partial ^2 z}{\partial Z^2} + B^2 Z = 0[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi)}\frac{\partial ^2 S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi) \rho }\frac{\partial S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \rho} + \frac{1}{S(\rho,\chi) \rho^2}\frac{\partial S(\rho,\chi)}{\partial \chi^2} + B^2 = 0[/tex]

Assuming [tex]S(\rho, \chi) = \rho(\rho) \chi(\chi)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{\rho}\frac{\partial ^2 \rho}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{1}{\rho^2 }\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial \rho} + \frac{1}{\rho^2 \chi}\frac{\partial ^2 \chi}{\partial \chi^2} + B^2 = 0[/tex]

How can I solve this last PDE?

Thank you in advance
 
Last edited:
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Okay, I haven't actually tried the problem, but you could try first to classify the pde (hyperbolic, elliptic, parabolic). In this case, the class of the pde depends on your choice of [tex]\rho[/tex]. Have you tried it?
 
if you multiply by [tex]\rho^{2}[/tex] you'll be able to separate the variables completely.
 
[Hyperreality] Okay, I haven't actually tried the problem, but you could try first to classify the pde (hyperbolic, elliptic, parabolic). In this case, the class of the pde depends on your choice of [tex]\rho[/tex]
. Have you tried it? [/Q]

I don't know as to which class the PDE falls to. Let me state the whole problem so that it becomes clear to everyone.
Solve the following

[tex]\frac{\partial ^2 \phi}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{1}{\rho}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial \rho} + \frac{1}{\rho^2}\frac{\partial ^2 \phi}{\partial \chi^2} + \frac{\partial ^2 \phi}{\partial Z^2}+B^2\phi = 0[/tex]

Where: 0 < [tex]\rho[/tex] < R, 0 < [tex]\chi[/tex] < [tex]\pi[/tex], [tex]-\frac{H}{2} < z < \frac{H}{2}[/tex]

The Boundary Conditions are

[tex]\phi(R,\chi,z) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\phi(\rho,0,z) = \phi(\rho,\pi,z) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\phi(\rho,\chi, \pm \frac{H}{2}) = 0[/tex]


[Dr Transport] if you multiply by [tex]\rho^{2}[/tex] you'll be able to separate the variables completely. [/Q]

As you suggested to multiply the last PDE by [tex]\rho^{2}[/tex], when separating the PDE's involving both [tex]\rho[/tex] and [tex]\chi[/tex] I still have [tex]\rho^{2}[/tex] on one of the PDE's involving [tex]\chi[/tex]. See below

[tex]\frac{1}{\chi}\frac{\partial ^2 \chi}{\partial \chi^2} + B^2 \rho^2 = 0[/tex]

And

[tex]\rho \frac{\partial ^2 \rho}{\partial \rho^2} + \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial \rho} + B^2 \rho^2 = 0[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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