Dirichlet Problem for Laplace's Equation Outside of a Disc

In summary, the Poisson Integral Formula is a representation of the bounded solution of the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation in the interior of a disc. This formula is derived as $u(r,\theta)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_0^{2\pi}g(\phi) \frac{b^2-r^2}{b^2-2brcos(\theta-\phi)+r^2} d\phi$. To find the formula for the Dirichlet problem in the exterior of the disc, the transformation $r \to \dfrac{1}{r}$ may be used to determine the appropriate form of the solution.
  • #1
davesface
97
2
The Poisson Integral Formula is a representation of the bounded solution of the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation in the interior of the disc. Derive the corresponding formula
for the Dirichlet problem in the exterior of the disc, again assuming that the solution is bounded.So we derived the expression for the interior part of a disc in class: $u(r,\theta)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_0^{2\pi}g(\phi) \frac{b^2-r^2}{b^2-2brcos(\theta-\phi)+r^2} d\phi$, where b is the radius of the disc and $u(b,\theta)=g(\theta)$. It was fairly straightforward, except that we were able to just assume the form of the solution $u(r,\theta)=\frac{1}{2}\gamma_0 +\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (\frac{r}{b})^n[\gamma_ncos(n\theta)+\delta_nsin(n\theta)]$, where $\gamma_n=\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}g(\phi)cos(n\phi)d\phi$ and $\delta_n=\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}g(\phi)sin(n\phi)d\phi$. We then played around with the sums of the series of sin and cos and took the real part of that to get our answer.

Now, for the exterior of the disc, I'm just not sure how to start off with the form of the solution. It seems like the $(\frac{r}{b})^n$ should really be the only difference, but I can't justify randomly picking a form. Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2
My first thought is to try the transformation $r \to \dfrac{1}{r}$ and see where that takes you.
 

FAQ: Dirichlet Problem for Laplace's Equation Outside of a Disc

What is the "Dirichlet Problem for Laplace's Equation Outside of a Disc"?

The Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation outside of a disc is a mathematical problem in which one seeks to find a harmonic function that satisfies certain boundary conditions on the boundary of a disc, while also being continuous and bounded outside of the disc.

What is a harmonic function?

A harmonic function is a solution to Laplace's equation, which is a second-order partial differential equation that describes the behavior of a scalar field. In simple terms, a harmonic function is a smooth function that has "no bumps" and satisfies certain conditions.

What is the significance of solving the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation outside of a disc?

Solving the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation outside of a disc has many applications in physics and engineering, such as in the study of fluid flow, heat conduction, and electrostatics. It also has important implications in the theory of complex analysis and potential theory.

What are the boundary conditions for the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation outside of a disc?

The boundary conditions for this problem typically involve specifying the values of the harmonic function on the boundary of the disc. These values can be given as a continuous function or as a set of discrete points. The function must also be continuous and bounded outside of the disc.

What are some methods for solving the Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation outside of a disc?

There are several methods for solving this problem, including separation of variables, conformal mapping, and complex analysis techniques. These methods involve transforming the problem into a simpler form and using various mathematical tools to find a solution. The exact method used will depend on the specific boundary conditions and geometry of the disc.

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