Solve Laplace equation on unit disk

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Laplace equation on the unit disk with boundary data given by \( u(\theta) = \cos{\theta} \) on the unit circle. Participants explore methods for solving the Dirichlet problem, including the implications of varying the boundary data and the behavior of the solution under small perturbations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on solving the Laplace equation with specified boundary conditions.
  • Another participant confirms the form of the Laplace equation and suggests a separation of variables approach.
  • Several participants derive the equations resulting from the separation of variables, leading to a system of ordinary differential equations.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the solutions for \( \Theta(\theta) \) depending on the sign of \( \lambda \), with one participant noting that negative \( \lambda \) leads to harmonic solutions.
  • Participants explore the implications of \( \lambda = -1 \) and its relation to the boundary condition \( u(\theta) = \cos{\theta} \).
  • Questions arise regarding the interpretation of "little oscillations of the boundary data" and whether it implies using functions like \( \cos(m \theta) \).
  • There is a suggestion that the problem could be split into two parts if the boundary data is perturbed.
  • Participants discuss the uniqueness of the integer \( m \) when expressing periodic functions as linear combinations of \( \cos(m \theta) \) and \( \sin(m \theta) \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical framework for solving the Laplace equation and the implications of the boundary conditions. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the interpretation of "little oscillations" and the uniqueness of solutions based on the choice of \( \lambda \).

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the positivity of \( \lambda \) and the conditions under which the boundary data leads to valid solutions. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the nature of perturbations to the boundary data.

  • #31
I like Serena said:
Indeed.
Why should $c_2=0$? (Wondering)

Don't we have that $u(r, \theta)=\left( c_1 r+\frac{c_2}{r}\right) \cos{\theta}$ ?

And this $u(r, \theta)$ is only defined for $r=0$ if $c_2=0$... Or am I wrong? (Thinking)
 
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  • #32
evinda said:
Don't we have that $u(r, \theta)=\left( c_1 r+\frac{c_2}{r}\right) \cos{\theta}$ ?

And this $u(r, \theta)$ is only defined for $r=0$ if $c_2=0$... Or am I wrong?

Yes.

To be fair, now that I read the OP again, it doesn't say that $u$ has to be defined for $r=0$. (Thinking)
 
  • #33
I like Serena said:
Yes.

To be fair, now that I read the OP again, it doesn't say that $u$ has to be defined for $r=0$. (Thinking)

So we pick this solution:

$u(r, \theta)=\left( c_1 r+ \frac{c_2}{r}\right) \cos{\theta}+\epsilon \left( c_3 r^m+\frac{c_4}{r^m}\right) \cos{(m(\theta-\theta_0))}$

Right? (Thinking)

And can we just say that this is a little oscillation of the solution of the first problem? Or do we prove it somehow? (Wondering)
 
  • #34
evinda said:
So we pick this solution:

$u(r, \theta)=\left( c_1 r+ \frac{c_2}{r}\right) \cos{\theta}+\epsilon \left( c_3 r^m+\frac{c_4}{r^m}\right) \cos{(m(\theta-\theta_0))}$

Right?

Shall we make that:

$u(r, \theta)=\left( c_1 r+ \frac{1-c_1}{r}\right) \cos{\theta}+\epsilon \left( c_3 r^m+\frac{1-c_3}{r^m}\right) \cos{(m(\theta-\theta_0))}$

(Wondering)

evinda said:
And can we just say that this is a little oscillation of the solution of the first problem? Or do we prove it somehow?

Yes, we can just say that for a small oscillation, its amplitude $\epsilon$ is small, and then the contribution to the solution is also small. (Emo)
 

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