Wave energy dissipated due to geometry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the modeling of energy dissipation in wave propagation due to geometric configurations, specifically comparing 2D and 3D scenarios involving circular holes. Participants explore the implications of geometry on energy distribution and dissipation during wave propagation, considering both mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that mechanical waves cannot travel endlessly, contrasting with electromagnetic waves which can, under certain conditions.
  • It is noted that in 2D, energy density decreases in proportion to the inverse of the radius, while in 3D, it decreases in proportion to the inverse of the radius squared.
  • Further elaboration indicates that in 2D, energy is distributed over the surface of a cylinder, leading to a dependency of 1/2 π H R for intensity, whereas in 3D, it is distributed over the surface of a sphere, resulting in a 1/4 π R² dependency.
  • Participants express interest in derivations and further materials regarding the relationships between circumference, area, and energy dissipation.
  • One participant clarifies that dissipation refers to the conversion of wave energy into other forms, typically heat, and distinguishes between 2D and 3D wave behaviors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the geometric implications for energy distribution in 2D and 3D but express differing views on the nature of wave dissipation and the conditions under which waves can propagate indefinitely. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of energy dissipation modeling.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including assumptions about the nature of waves, the definitions of 2D and 3D geometries, and the lack of detailed mathematical derivations for energy dissipation terms.

miraboreasu
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Hey

Condition 1:
A 2D infinite plane and there is a circular hole in the middle. When t=0, an impulsive loading, P=f(t), is applied to the boundary of the circle(outward), so the wave will start at the boundary of the circle and propagate in the plane

Condition 2:
A 3D infinite plane and there is a circular hole in the middle. When t=0, an impulsive loading, P=f(t), is applied to the boundary of the sphere(outward), so the wave will start at the boundary of the sphere and propagate in space

During the wave propagation in the plane, assuming there is dissipation (actually I don't know what caused it, thermal maybe, but I think in the world, waves cannot travel endlessly, and I only need to know from the geometry perspective). How to model the energy dissipated regarding the geometry? Basically, the modeling for the energy dissipated during 2D propagation in a plane and 3D spherical propagation?

Thanks
 
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miraboreasu said:
but I think in the world, waves cannot travel endlessly
uh, no, EM waves (light for example) can travel endlessly (assuming they don't run into anything). I think you probably mean that MECHANICAL waves can't travel endlessly.
 
In 2D the energy density falls in proportion to the inverse of the radius.
In 3D the energy density falls in proportion to the inverse of the radius squared.
 
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Further to post #3, the material has a finite thickness, so the initial intensity can be found. For 2D the energy is then distributed over the surface of a cylinder of increasing radius, giving a 1/2 pi H R dependency for the intensity. For the 3D case, the energy is distributed over the surface of a sphere of increasing radius, giving a 1/4 pi R^2 dependency. For the case of dissipated energy, this falls exponentially with distance, so in the case of microwaves passing through water vapour, for instance, we would simply apply a factor in decibels per metre.
 
Baluncore said:
In 2D the energy density falls in proportion to the inverse of the radius.
In 3D the energy density falls in proportion to the inverse of the radius squared.
Thanks, can you please provide more materials, so I can take look at the derivation? I think this is coming from area and volume, but I want to see the details,
 
tech99 said:
Further to post #3, the material has a finite thickness, so the initial intensity can be found. For 2D the energy is then distributed over the surface of a cylinder of increasing radius, giving a 1/2 pi H R dependency for the intensity. For the 3D case, the energy is distributed over the surface of a sphere of increasing radius, giving a 1/4 pi R^2 dependency. For the case of dissipated energy, this falls exponentially with distance, so in the case of microwaves passing through water vapour, for instance, we would simply apply a factor in decibels per
Thanks, can you please provide more materials about this dependency?
 
miraboreasu said:
Thanks, can you please provide more materials, so I can take look at the derivation? I think this is coming from area and volume, but I want to see the details,
As the wave energy radiates, it is distributed over an ever-increasing line in 2D, or area in 3D.

As the radius of a circle increases, so does the circumference.
C = 2π · r

As the radius of a sphere increases, the surface area increases as the square of the radius.
A = 4π · r²
 
phinds said:
uh, no, EM waves (light for example) can travel endlessly (assuming they don't run into anything). I think you probably mean that MECHANICAL waves can't travel endlessly.
Yes, sorry I miss this part, assume the mechanical wave in a 2D and 3D elasticity pane and space
 
Baluncore said:
As the wave energy radiates, it is distributed over an ever-increasing line in 2D, or area in 3D.

As the radius of a circle increases, so does the circumference.
C = 2π · r

As the radius of a sphere increases, the surface area increases as the square of the radius.
A = 4π · r²
Thanks, is there any equation or material showing how C and A in the energy dissipation term? Like the whole form.
 
  • #10
Hi @miraboreasu. There may be a language problem causing some confusion. Maybe this will help...

Dissipation = the wave's energy being converted to other forms of energy (usually heat).

For example, for an EM wave traveling through free (empty) space, there is no dissipation; the total energy in the wave remains constant. When the wave spreads out as it travels, its energy gets ‘spread out’ - but the total wave energy remains the same.

In simple geometry, a 2D plane is a flat surface (e.g. a table top) of zero thickness. (There are other meanings at more advanced levels.)

In simple geometry 3D, means ordinary space. (There are other meanings at more advanced levels.) Therefore we don’t refer to a ‘3D plane’ (unless maybe you are a mathematician working in 4 or more dimensions!).

A wave in 2D would be confined to a surface. The nearest real-life example I can think of is dropping a stone in a pond giving waves which spread outwards on the water’s surface.

A wave in 3D occupies space – e.g. sound waves when you speak, with the energy spreading out in all possible directions.

For a brief intuition about the inverse square law, you could read ‘The fable of the butter gun’ here: https://www.khanacademy.org/science...ce-and-electric-field/a/ee-inverse-square-law.

Edit: you might find it useful to do a little research of your own on the 'intensity' of a wave.
 
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