Solving Laplace's Equation: Problem With Boundary Conditions

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    Laplace's equation
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving Laplace's equation, specifically in the context of boundary conditions applied to a three-dimensional temperature distribution problem. The original poster attempts to use separation of variables to find a solution, but encounters difficulties with the boundary conditions and the form of the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their approach using separation of variables and presents their derived functions for each spatial variable. They question the correctness of their solution and seek clarification on how to apply the boundary conditions effectively.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the proposed solution, questioning the periodicity of certain components of the solution. There is an indication that multiple interpretations of the problem may be explored, particularly regarding the separation of the solution into distinct problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the periodicity of the functions used in the solution, which may affect the validity of the approach. The original poster's calculations for the constants derived from the boundary conditions are also under scrutiny.

Logarythmic
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I have a problem solving

[tex]\nabla^2 T(x,y,z) = 0[/tex]
[tex]T(0,y,z)=T(a,y,z)=0[/tex]
[tex]T(x,0,z)=T(x,b,z)=T_0 \sin{\frac{\pi x}{a}[/tex]
[tex]T(x,y,0)=T(x,y,c)=const.[/tex]

I use separation of variables and get

[tex]X_n (x) = \sin{\frac{n \pi x}{a}[/tex]
[tex]Y_n (y) = \cosh{\sqrt{\frac{n^2 \pi^2}{c^2} + \frac{n^2 \pi^2}{a^2}}y} + \sinh{\sqrt{\frac{n^2 \pi^2}{c^2} + \frac{n^2 \pi^2}{a^2}}y}[/tex]
[tex]Z_n (z) = \cos{\frac{n \pi z}{c}[/tex]
[tex]T(x,y,z) = \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n X_n (x) Y_n (y) Z_n (z)[/tex]

where I have used the boundary conditions for x and z. Is this correct?
If it is, I'm having problems to wrap this up. I suppose I can use the condition for T(x,0,z) to get the constants. My calculations gives me

[tex]a_n = \frac{T_0}{\cos{\frac{\pi z}{c}}}[/tex]

but then I can't get it toghether with the condition for T(x,b,z)...
Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
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Well, first of all, the "y" part of the solution must be periodic, but I'm afraid sinh & cosh are not...The same with the "z" & "x" part.

Daniel.
 
So the X- and the Z-part are correct, but not the Y-part?
 
That is easiest to do as 4 separate problems, each having 5 sides grounded.
Then add the 4 solutions.
 
Sorry, I do not understand.
 

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