Solving Laplace's equation for a rectangle

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The discussion focuses on solving Laplace's equation for a rectangle with a perfect electric conductor (PEC) inside. The user has successfully solved the equation without the PEC and is now addressing the boundary conditions for the inner rectangle, noting that the electric field inside must be zero and the potential constant. The original boundary conditions for the outer rectangle are established, and the solution is provided. The user seeks guidance on how to proceed with the PEC, particularly regarding the boundary conditions and potential solutions. The conversation highlights the challenges of incorporating the PEC into the existing solution framework.
peripatein
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Hello,

Homework Statement


I am trying to solve Laplace's equation for the setup shown in the attachment, where f(x)=9sin(2πx)+3x and g(x)=10sin(πy)+3y. I have managed to solve it for the setup without the rectangle (PEC), and am now trying to solve ∇2\phi=0 for that inner rectangle in order to then apply superposition and sum up the solutions.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since the inner rectangle is a perfect conductor, the electric field inside must be zero. Hence the potential must be constant, right (as E=-∇\phi)? d1=1/4 and d2=1/3, hence the boundary conditions are: \phi(x,y=0)=?, \phi(x=1/4,y)=?, \phi (x,y=1/3)=?, \phi(x=0,y)=?. Now how should I proceed? Should all these potentials indeed be equated to constants or ought I to use something linear, such as (Ax+B)(Cy+D)?
 

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If you solve for the setup without the PEC rectangle, what boundary conditions do you use for x=0 and y=0 ?
Looks to me as if those are conductors as well, grounded to boot!

PEC potential is definitely constant: any deviation would cause charge to move until it's constant again.
 
Yes, without the PEC the bottom and left sides of the original rectangle are indeed grounded.
The original boundary conditions are:
ϕ(x=0,y)=0; ϕ(x,y=0)=0;ϕ(x=1,y)=g(y);ϕ(x,y=1)=f(x)
and the solution is given as:
ϕ(x,y)=3xy + 9sin(2pi*x)sinh(2pi*y)/sinh(2pi) + 10sinh(pi*x)sin(pi*y)/sinh(pi)
How do I now solve Laplace's equation for the inner PEC?
 
OK, looks good. I even played with a spreadsheet relaxation and got a nice 3D plot.
As far as I can see you now have to find solutions that are equal and opposite to ϕ on the bounds of the PEC and 0 on what remains of the bounds of the original unit square.
I don't see a way to deal with the irregularity.
So, like you, I am stuck for the moment...
 

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