Unique Solutions for Vector Calculus Problem with Boundary Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the uniqueness of solutions for the vector calculus problem defined by the equation ##\nabla^2 \gamma = \gamma## within a volume ##V##, where ##\gamma_1## and ##\gamma_2## are continuous solutions that match on the boundary ##\partial V##. The participant has established that ##\nabla \cdot (g \nabla g) = ||\nabla g||^2 + g \nabla^2 g##, leading to the integral relationship ##\int_V ||\nabla g||^2 dV + \int_{\partial V} g^2 dV = 0##. This indicates that if ##g = \gamma_1 - \gamma_2## is constant, the solutions are unique, particularly under Dirichlet boundary conditions.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically Laplacian operators.
  • Familiarity with boundary value problems in partial differential equations.
  • Knowledge of Dirichlet boundary conditions and their implications.
  • Proficiency in integral calculus, particularly in evaluating integrals over volumes and boundaries.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Laplace's equation and its solutions in various domains.
  • Explore the implications of Dirichlet boundary conditions on solution uniqueness.
  • Learn about the maximum principle in the context of partial differential equations.
  • Investigate the role of energy methods in proving uniqueness of solutions.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students focusing on partial differential equations, particularly those dealing with boundary value problems and uniqueness of solutions in vector calculus.

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Homework Statement



## \gamma_1 ## and ##\gamma_2 ## are both real continuous solutions of ## \nabla^2 \gamma = \gamma ## in ## V## and ##\gamma_1=\gamma_2 ## on the boundary ##\partial V##. We are looking at the function ##g = \gamma_1 - \gamma_2 ##.

I have proved

##\nabla \cdot \left( g \nabla g) \right) = ||\nabla g||^2 + g\nabla^2 g## already. I used this to show that

##\int_V ||\nabla g||^2 dV + \int_{\partial V} g^2 dV = 0 ##

The question is: what does this say about the value of ##g=\gamma_1-\gamma_2 ## in ##V## and are the solutions unique for ##\nabla^2 \gamma = \gamma##?

Any help appreciated!
 
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If you can show g=constant then the solution is unique, within a constant (for dirichlet conditions it's obviously unique). Your first equation doesn't make sense, I think you mean to put g*laplacian(g). Also, if you managed to get rid of this term, your logic should probably also apply to the g^2 term on the boundary. Elaborate on what you've done at the boundary.
 

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