Cylindrical resonance cavity problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the electric field and dispersion relation for a cylindrical cavity defined by its length "d" and radius "a." The user has derived the vector Helmholtz equation from Maxwell's equations but struggles with the complexity of the Laplacian in cylindrical coordinates. While they find it manageable to solve for the Ez component using separation of variables, they express difficulty in determining the radial (E_r) and azimuthal (E_phi) components due to their interdependence. The user seeks guidance on whether an exact solution is attainable without making additional assumptions, such as azimuthal symmetry. The thread highlights the challenges of solving electromagnetic wave equations in non-cartesian geometries.
danielakkerma
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Hello all!

Homework Statement


Consider a cylindrical cavity with length "d" and radius "a". Find the corresponding electric field, and the dispersion relation therein.

Homework Equations


Maxwell's equations.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve the appropriate vector Helmholtz equation(obtained by assuming harmonic time-dependence of the waves in the cavity).
Within the cylinder, one arrives at(where: \vec{E}=\vec{E_0}(r, \varphi, z)e^{-i \omega t})
<br /> \vec{\nabla}^2 \vec{E_0} = \frac{\omega^2}{c^2} \vec{E_0}<br />
However, since \vec{E_0} = E_r \hat{r} + E_\varphi \hat{\varphi} + E_z \hat{z}, the Laplacian becomes far more convoluted in the cylindrical form.
Solving for Ez is not that difficult(with appropriate separation of variables).
However, how does one find E_r, E_phi?
After all, solving for the wave equation for the r, phi components involves:
<br /> (\vec{\nabla}^2 \vec{E_0})_r = \vec{\nabla}^2 E_r - \frac{1}{r^2}(E_r + 2\frac{\partial E_{\varphi}}{\partial \varphi})<br />
However, this equation for E_r requires E_phi; and obviously, the components of E_r are not necessarily identical to E_phi, so substituting one for the other(through analogous separation of variables for both) is impossible here.
Without making any other assumptions(or simplifications; for instance, I managed to simplify the problem greatly if I assumed complete azimuthal symmetry(i.e. E_phi = 0 & d/dphi =0)), is there any way to obtain an exact solution for this? Where should I turn to, next?
Thank you for your attention,
Reliant on your help,
Daniel
 
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Going to have to bump this; is this at all solvable?
 
Bump

Bumping again.
 
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