Solving a PDE in spherical with source term

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a partial differential equation (PDE) in a spherical domain, specifically the equation $$\frac{dF(r,t)}{dt}=\alpha \frac{1}{r^2} \frac{d}{dr} r^2 \frac{dF(r,t)}{dr} +g(r,t)$$ with boundary conditions $$\frac{dF}{dr} = 0$$ at both $r=0$ and $r=R$. The user expresses confusion regarding the application of separation of variables and the use of eigenfunction expansions for the source term. The importance of correctly identifying boundary conditions, particularly at $r=0$, is emphasized, as it may not constitute a boundary if included in the domain.

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  • Understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates and boundary conditions
  • Knowledge of eigenfunction expansions
  • Experience with separation of variables technique
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  • Study eigenfunction expansions in the context of spherical domains
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Students and researchers in applied mathematics, particularly those working on PDEs in spherical coordinates, as well as educators looking to clarify boundary condition implications in mathematical modeling.

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Homework Statement



I have a PDE and I need to solve it in spherical domain:

$$\frac{dF(r,t)}{dt}=\alpha \frac{1}{r^2} \frac{d}{dr} r^2 \frac{dF(r,t)}{dr} +g(r,t) $$

I have BC's:

$$ \frac{dF}{dr} = 0, r =0$$
$$ \frac{dF}{dr} = 0, r =R$$

Homework Equations



So, in spherical coord.

First, I know that:

$$F=w/r$$
Reducing, I get:

$$\frac{dw}{dt} =\alpha \frac{d^2w}{dr^2}+r*g(r,t) $$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
After I Get this, I need to find eigenfunction expansions to express the source term and
then, finally, the solution Do I need to do separation of variables? I am confused at this point and not sure how to proceed.
 
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Why do you say you are confused when you have essentially described a proper way of attacking the problem? Why don't you simply try doing it?

Side note: Were you given these boundary conditions or did you implement them based on problem formulation. It seems strange to me to have a boundary condition of that form at r=0. If r=0 is part of your domain, it is not a boundary.
 
Orodruin said:
Why do you say you are confused when you have essentially described a proper way of attacking the problem? Why don't you simply try doing it?

Side note: Were you given these boundary conditions or did you implement them based on problem formulation. It seems strange to me to have a boundary condition of that form at r=0. If r=0 is part of your domain, it is not a boundary.
I should be more specific. The problem is attached for complete clarity, noting that I need to state any assumptions. The reason I haven't started is because I am not fully sure how to start. Should I Start with separation of variables? Should I start with identifying a proper eigenfunction? Would it be of the form sin(...).
 

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