Wave equation in cylindrical coordinates - different expression?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the wave equation for shear horizontal waves in cylindrical coordinates, specifically examining different expressions for the Laplace operator as presented in a textbook by J.L. Rose. Participants seek clarification on the equivalence of two forms of the Laplace operator and the application of the chain rule in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Mike presents the wave equation and his derived form of the Laplace operator in cylindrical coordinates, expressing confusion over its equivalence to the form provided by Prof. Rose.
  • Another participant asserts that the two expressions for the Laplace operator are equivalent and suggests using the chain rule to verify this equivalence.
  • Mike seeks clarification on which term to apply the chain rule to, questioning whether it should be applied to the first term or the second derivative term.
  • A later reply provides a detailed breakdown of the application of the chain rule to the first term, demonstrating how it leads to the equivalent expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the chain rule and the implications for the Laplace operator's equivalence, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of these mathematical expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the clarity of the derivation process for the Laplace operator in cylindrical coordinates, and there are unresolved questions about the application of the chain rule in this context.

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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