Wave equation in cylindrical coordinates - different expression?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the wave equation for shear horizontal waves in cylindrical coordinates, specifically referencing J.L. Rose's work in "Ultrasolic Waves in Solid Media." The Laplace operator is expressed in two forms: one derived by the user and another presented by Prof. Rose. Both expressions are confirmed to be equivalent through the application of the chain rule. The user seeks clarification on the derivation of Rose's more compact expression.

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  • Proficiency in calculus, specifically the chain rule
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MiSo
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Hello to everybody,
I am solving some examples related to wave equation of shear horizontal wave in cylindrical coordinates (J.L Rose: Ultrasolic Waves in Solid Media, chapter 6), which is expressed as follows:

2u=1/cT2⋅∂2u/∂t2

The Laplace operator in cylindrical coordinates can can be derived in the form of (which I have verified to myself):
2=∂2/∂r2+1/r⋅∂/∂r+1/r2⋅∂2/∂θ2+∂2/∂x2

Prof. Rose uses in his book following expression of Laplace operator:
2=1/r⋅∂/∂r⋅(r⋅∂/∂r)+1/r2⋅∂/∂θ2+∂2/∂x2

Can anyone please give be an explanation how to get such an expression? I am quite confused.

Mike
 
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The two expression are equivalent. Prof. Rose equations is a little more compact. You use the chain rule on the first term to verify that they are the equivalent.
 
Thank you very much for you reply!

You mean to make chain rule on this term? 1/r⋅∂/∂r⋅(r⋅∂u/∂r) or ∂2u/∂r2
I ask because when I´ll make a chain rule on ∂2u/∂r2 term, I think, that I have to obtain a Laplace operator for cartesian coord. system...
 
\frac{1}{r} \frac{\partial}{\partial r} \left( r \frac{\partial u}{\partial r} \right) = \frac{1}{r} \left( r \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial r^2} + \frac{\partial r}{\partial r} \frac{\partial u}{\partial r} \right) = \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial r^2} + \frac{1}{r} \frac{\partial u}{\partial r}
 

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