Solving z(r) Equation with Boundary Conditions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding general solutions for the equation z(r) related to surface tension physics, specifically under certain boundary conditions. Participants explore various approaches and transformations to solve the equation, which involves derivatives and relationships between z(r) and its derivative z_r.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks general solutions for the equation z(r) and mentions boundary conditions z_r(0)=z_{ro} and z(\infty)=0, expressing difficulty in finding a closed solution.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between z(r) and z_r(r), suggesting a potential misunderstanding of the equation's notation.
  • A participant clarifies that z_r represents the derivative dz/dr and attempts to solve the equation related to the surface of a thin film of water over a sphere, proposing a change of variable to simplify the equation.
  • One participant acknowledges an error in their previous change of variable and the resulting equation, indicating uncertainty in their approach.
  • Another participant proposes a new substitution, setting z_{r}=Sinh(u(r)), and derives a new form of the equation, expressing doubt about the solvability of this new form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct interpretation of the equation and the validity of various transformations. There is no consensus on a definitive solution or approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges in obtaining closed solutions and the potential for errors in variable transformations. The discussion reflects ongoing exploration rather than resolved mathematical steps.

Clausius2
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I am looking for the general solutions of this equation in z(r)
If someone remembers well, this equation arises in surface tension physics.

z(r)=\frac{1}{r}\frac{d}{dr}\left[\frac{z_r r}{(1+z_r^2)^{1/2}}\right]

subject to the boundary conditions

z_r(0)=z_{ro} and
z(\infty)=0

I only come up with rough approximations expanding the RHS around r=0, but I don't realize how might a closed solution be obtained.

Any hints?

Thanx.
 
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What is the relationship between z(r) and zr(r)?

i.e. is the equation -
z_r(r)=\frac{1}{r}\frac{d}{dr}\left[\frac{z_r r}{(1+z_r^2)^{1/2}}\right] ?
 
Clausius2 said:
I am looking for the general solutions of this equation in z(r)
If someone remembers well, this equation arises in surface tension physics.

z(r)=\frac{1}{r}\frac{d}{dr}\left[\frac{z_r r}{(1+z_r^2)^{1/2}}\right]

subject to the boundary conditions

z_r(0)=z_{ro} and
z(\infty)=0

I only come up with rough approximations expanding the RHS around r=0, but I don't realize how might a closed solution be obtained.

Any hints?

Sorry Astro, z_r=dz/dr as in usual notation. The original equation is the right one. I am trying to solve the equation of the surface of a thin film of water over an sphere. In fact if one tries the change of variable \phi=z_r/\sqrt{z_r^2+1} the equation is reduced to \phi'+\phi/r=2\sqrt{1-\phi^2}, but again I don't find a way of how to solve this.
 
Clausius2 said:
Sorry Astro, z_r=dz/dr as in usual notation. The original equation is the right one. I am trying to solve the equation of the surface of a thin film of water over an sphere. In fact if one tries the change of variable \phi=z_r/\sqrt{z_r^2+1} the equation is reduced to \phi'+\phi/r=2\sqrt{1-\phi^2}, but again I don't find a way of how to solve this.

My last change of variable is wrong, and the resulting equation too. I've just realized of that.
 
Well, I thought struck me, I'm sure it's dumb:
If you set z_{r}=Sinh(u(r)) and differentiate your equation, you get:
Sinh(u)=\frac{d}{dr}\frac{1}{r}\frac{d}{dr}(rTanh(u))
Perhaps you can solve for u(r) now, but I have to admit I doubt it..
 
Last edited:

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