Solving Laplace Equation w/ Neumann Boundary Conditions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Laplace equation within a specified domain, subject to Neumann boundary conditions. Participants are exploring the implications of these conditions and the form of potential solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution, particularly questioning the reasoning behind these conditions. There is a proposal of a solution form involving separation of variables, leading to discussions about the specific terms in the solution and their origins. Some participants are also questioning the equality of hyperbolic functions under certain conditions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the boundary conditions and their effects on the proposed solutions. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the relationships between the functions involved, and some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of certain terms in the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of Neumann boundary conditions and are exploring the implications of these conditions on the form of the solution. There is a noted confusion regarding the sufficiency of certain conditions and the behavior of hyperbolic functions at specific points.

maria clara
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Homework Statement



I need to solve Laplace equation in the domain D= 0 < x,y < pi

Neumann boundary conditions are given:

du/dx(0,y)=du/dx(pi,y)=0
du/dy(x,pi)=x^2-pi^2/3+1
du/dy(x,0)=1

2. The attempt at a solution

first, we check that the integral of directional derivative of u on the edge of D is zero. This should be the necessary condition for the existence of a solution to the problem. the condition is satisfied (the integral is zero indeed), but why is this condition sufficient and not only necessary?

Anyway, assuming a solution does exist, I propose a solution of the form u=X(x)Y(t), and solving the appropriate SL system I find that the solution sould be of the form:
u(x,y)= A+sigma{Cos(nx)*[Cosh(ny)+Sinh(ny)]}

but the solution should have the form

u(x,y)= A+By+sigma{Cos(nx)*[Coshny+Cosh[n(y-pi)]}

where does the By come from? and does Cosh[n(y-pi)] equal Sinhny? It doesn't make sense because for example if we have y=pi , Cosh[n(y-pi)] = 1, while Sinh(ny) gives an infinite number of answers, depending on n.

Thanks in advance...:)
 
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maria clara said:

Homework Statement



I need to solve Laplace equation in the domain D= 0 < x,y < pi

Neumann boundary conditions are given:

du/dx(0,y)=du/dx(pi,y)=0
du/dy(x,pi)=x^2-pi^2/3+1
du/dy(x,0)=1

2. The attempt at a solution

first, we check that the integral of directional derivative of u on the edge of D is zero. This should be the necessary condition for the existence of a solution to the problem. the condition is satisfied (the integral is zero indeed), but why is this condition sufficient and not only necessary?
I don't understand this. What makes you think this condition is sufficient?

Anyway, assuming a solution does exist, I propose a solution of the form u=X(x)Y(t), and solving the appropriate SL system I find that the solution sould be of the form:
u(x,y)= A+sigma{Cos(nx)*[Cosh(ny)+Sinh(ny)]}

but the solution should have the form

u(x,y)= A+By+sigma{Cos(nx)*[Coshny+Cosh[n(y-pi)]}

where does the By come from? and does Cosh[n(y-pi)] equal Sinhny? It doesn't make sense because for example if we have y=pi , Cosh[n(y-pi)] = 1, while Sinh(ny) gives an infinite number of answers, depending on n.

Thanks in advance...:)
The By is because of that "+1" on the du/dy at both y= 0 and y=[itex]\pi[/itex].
 
Well, this is what they write in the answer, that here the condition is "necessary and sufficient"...
I guess it is not merely a mistake, because this is not the first time I encounter this argument.


any suggestions regarding the problem in the equation:
cosh[n(y-pi)]=sinh(ny)
?
 
It's to satisfy the boundary conditions at 0 and pi.
solutions are u(x,y)=A exp(ny) + Bexp(-ny)
or =a sinh(ny)+bcosh(ny)
or =cosh(ny)+cosh n(y-pi) this satisfy thr BC at 0 and pi
The laplace equation is invariant under translation
belgium 12
 

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