Understanding Partial Derivatives in Harmonic Functions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the verification of harmonic functions, specifically examining the relationship between the harmonic function v and the derived function u defined as u(x,y) = v(x^2 - y^2, 2xy). The key conclusion is that if v is harmonic (i.e., ∇²v = 0), then u is also harmonic (i.e., ∇²u = 0). The calculations involve the use of second derivatives and the chain rule, leading to the expression ∇²u = (4x² + 4y²)(vₓₓ + vᵧᵧ) = 0, confirming that u is harmonic under the condition that v is harmonic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic functions and the Laplace operator (∇²).
  • Familiarity with multivariable calculus, particularly partial derivatives.
  • Knowledge of the chain rule in calculus.
  • Basic understanding of vector calculus notation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of harmonic functions and their applications in physics and engineering.
  • Learn about the Laplace operator and its significance in multivariable calculus.
  • Explore the chain rule for functions of multiple variables in detail.
  • Investigate examples of harmonic functions and their graphical representations.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and differential equations, as well as educators and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of harmonic functions and their properties.

yungman
Messages
5,741
Reaction score
291

Homework Statement



Show if v is harmonic ie. [itex]\; \nabla^2v=0 \;[/itex] , then [itex]\nabla^2u=0 \hbox { where } u(x,y)=v(x^2-y^2,2xy)[/itex]

[tex]\nabla^2u=0 \;\Rightarrow\; u_{xx}+u_{yy} = 0[/tex]

From the book:

For [itex]u(x,y)=v(x^2-y^2,2xy)[/itex]

[tex]u_x=2xv_x + 2yv_y[/tex]

[tex]u_{xx} = 4x^2v_{xx} + 8 xyv_{xy} + 4y^2v_{yy} + 2v_x[/tex]

[tex]u_y=2yv_x + 2xv_y[/tex]

[tex]u_{yy} = 4y^2v_{xx} - 8 xyv_{xy} + 4x^2v_{yy} - 2v_x[/tex]

[tex]\nabla^2u = u_{xx} + u_{yy} = (4x^2+4y^2)(v_{xx}+v_{yy}) = 0[/tex]




This is my work:

I don't understand the solution the book gave.

[tex]\nabla^2u = \nabla \cdot \nabla u = \nabla \cdot \nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy)[/tex]

[tex]\nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy) = [ \frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \frac{\partial (x^2-y^2) }{\partial x } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } \frac{\partial (2xy) }{\partial x }]\hat{x} \;+\; [\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \frac{\partial (x^2-y^2) }{\partial y } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } \frac{\partial (2xy) }{\partial y }]\hat{y}[/tex]

[tex]\nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy) = [2x\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2y \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\hat{x} \;\;+\;\; [-2y\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2x \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\hat{y}[/tex]

[tex]\nabla^2 v = \nabla \cdot \nabla v = \frac{\partial}{\partial x} [2x\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2y \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\;+\;\; \frac{\partial}{\partial y} [-2y\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2x \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ][/tex]

[tex]\nabla^2 v = 4(x^2+y^2) [ \frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) }][/tex]



I don't even understand how [itex]u_x=2xv_x + 2yv_y[/itex]

And [tex]u_{xx} = 4x^2v_{xx} + 8 xyv_{xy} + 4y^2v_{yy} + 2v_x[/tex]

here stand for?


What is [itex]v_x,\; v_{xx},\; v_y \hbox { and } v_{yy}[/itex]


Please help explain to me.

Thanks

Alan
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone please?
 
Please!
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K