Green's function boundary conditions

In summary, Green's function boundary conditions are mathematical tools used in solving differential equations, particularly in physics and engineering. They allow for the formulation of problems with specific boundary conditions by relating the solution of a differential operator to the behavior of the system at the boundaries. This method enables the analysis of various physical phenomena, such as heat conduction and wave propagation, by simplifying complex boundary value problems into manageable forms.
  • #1
deuteron
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TL;DR Summary
what is the motivation / justification behind the applied conditions on the Green's function for Dirichlet / Neumann boundary conditions
we know that, using the Green's identity ##\iiint\limits_V (\varphi \Delta\psi -\psi \Delta\varphi)\ dV =\iint_{\partial V} (\varphi \frac {\partial \psi}{\partial n}-\psi \frac {\partial\varphi}{\partial n})\ da## and substituting ##\varphi=\phi## and ##\psi=G## here, we can write the potential as:

$$\phi_{\vec r} = \iiint\limits_V \rho_{\vec r_q} G_{\vec r, \vec r_q}\ d^3r_q\ +\ \frac 1 {4\pi}\ [\iint _{\partial V} G_{\vec r, \vec r_q} \frac \partial {\partial n} \phi_{\vec r_q} - \phi_{\vec r_q} \frac{\partial G_{\vec r, \vec r_q}} {\partial n} \ da]$$

here, for the type of given boundary conditions, ( Dirichlet: ##\phi|_{\partial V}=\text{given}## or Neumann ##\frac {\partial \phi}{\partial n}|_{\partial V}=\text{given}##) we require, that the Green's function satisfies some conditions (Dirichlet: ##G|_{\partial V}=0##, Neumann: ##\frac {\partial G}{\partial n} |_{\partial V}=- \frac {4\pi}{\text{surface area of}\ \partial V}##)

I understand that these make our life easier when we substitute the Green's function into the above integral expression for ##\phi##
However, I am confused about *why* we are allowed to make these requirements on the Green's function. How are we mathematically sure that making this requirements would not cause a problem?
 
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  • #2
I have found the answer in Jackson, section 1.10 page 18
 

FAQ: Green's function boundary conditions

What is a Green's function?

A Green's function is a type of solution to differential equations that can be used to solve inhomogeneous boundary value problems. It acts as a fundamental solution that represents the response of a system to a point source, allowing for the construction of solutions for more complex source distributions through superposition.

How do boundary conditions affect Green's functions?

Boundary conditions play a crucial role in determining the form of the Green's function. They specify how the solution behaves at the boundaries of the domain, which influences the mathematical properties of the Green's function. Different types of boundary conditions (Dirichlet, Neumann, Robin, etc.) lead to different Green's functions for the same differential operator.

What are Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions?

Dirichlet boundary conditions specify the value of the function on the boundary of the domain, while Neumann boundary conditions specify the value of the derivative (normal to the boundary) of the function. These conditions are essential for defining the Green's function for a given problem, as they dictate how the solution behaves at the edges of the domain.

Can Green's functions be used in higher dimensions?

Yes, Green's functions can be formulated for problems in higher dimensions. The mathematical principles remain the same, but the complexity of the Green's function increases with the dimensionality of the problem. Solutions often involve integrals over the spatial domain and require careful consideration of the boundary conditions in these higher-dimensional spaces.

How are Green's functions applied in engineering and physics?

Green's functions are widely used in engineering and physics for solving problems in fields such as electrostatics, acoustics, and heat conduction. They facilitate the analysis of systems by allowing for the calculation of responses to arbitrary source distributions, making them a powerful tool for both theoretical studies and practical applications in various disciplines.

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