Help with Poisson problem in a unit ball.

In summary, the conversation is about finding the function u(r,\theta,\phi) given a Laplace equation and a boundary condition. The speaker is using a simple spherical harmonics expansion method to solve the equation but is having trouble getting the same answer as the book. They have tried two different approaches but still cannot find the error. They are seeking help from others to double check their work.
  • #1
yungman
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I cannot get the answer of the problem as in the book but the book usually right. I did it in 2 totally different ways and I still get my own answer. Can anyone help me double check?

This is to find [itex] u(r,\theta,\phi) [/itex] given:

[tex] \nabla^2 u(r,\theta,\phi) = -k u(r,\theta,\phi) = f(r)=1 \hbox { and boundary condition } u(1,\theta,\phi)=0 [/tex]

[tex] u(r,\theta,\phi) = \sum_{j=1}^{\infty}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{m=-n}^{n} B_{jnm} \; j_n(\lambda_{n,j}r) \; Y_{nm}(\theta\phi) [/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \nabla^2 u(r,\theta,\phi) = -k u(r,\theta,\phi) = -\lambda^2_{n,j}u(r,\theta,\phi) = \sum_{j=1}^{\infty}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{m=-n}^{n} -\lambda^2_{n,j} \; B_{jnm} \; j_n(\lambda_{n,j}r) \; Y_{nm}(\theta,\phi) = 1[/tex](1)

We can just use simple spherical harmonics expansion on (1) where:

[tex] \int_0^1 \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^{\pi} j_n^2(\lambda_{nj}r)|Y_{nm}(\theta,\phi)|^2 r^2 sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi dr = \frac{a^3}{2}j^2_{n+1}(\alpha_{(n+\frac{1}{2},j)})[/tex]


(1) [tex]\Rightarrow -\lambda^2_{n,j} \; B_{jnm} \; \frac{a^3}{2}j^2_{n+1}(\alpha_{(n+\frac{1}{2},j)}) = \int_0^1 \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^{\pi} \; j_n (\lambda_{nj}r) \; \overline{Y}_{nm}(\theta,\phi) \; r^2 \; sin(\theta) \; d\theta \; d\phi \; dr [/tex]

As you can see, only n=m=0 produce non zero coefficients.

[tex]\Rightarrow -\lambda^2_{0,j} \; B_j \; \frac{1}{2}j^2_1(\alpha_{(\frac{1}{2},j)}) = \int_0^1 \; j_n (\lambda_{nj}r) \; r^2 \; dr \; \int_0^{2\pi} \; \frac {1}{2\sqrt{\pi}} \; d\phi \; \int_0^{\pi} P^0_0(cos\theta) \; sin(\theta) \; d\theta [/tex]

Using boundary condition [itex]u(1,\theta,\phi)=0 \Rightarrow \; \lambda_{0,j}= j\pi [/itex]

[tex] B_j = \frac{4\sqrt{\pi} (-1)^j}{j^2\pi^2} [/tex]

[tex] u(r,\theta,\phi) = \sum_{j=1}^{\infty} B_j \; j_0(\lambda_{0,j}r) \; Y_{0,0}(\theta\phi) = 2\sum_{j=1}^{\infty} (-1)^j \; \frac{sin(j\pi r)}{j^3 \pi^3 r}[/tex]

Where:

[tex] j_0(\lambda_{0,j}r) = \frac{sin(j\pi r)}{j \pi r} \hbox { and } Y_{0,0}(\theta\phi) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{\pi}} [/tex]

But the book's answer is:

[tex] u(r,\theta,\phi) = 2\sum_{j=1}^{\infty} (-1)^j \; \frac{sin(j\pi r)}{j^2 \pi^2 r}[/tex]

I don't know what I did wrong. I did it the other way using spherical harmonics expansion of [itex]f(r)=1 [/itex] and then use:

[tex]B_j=\frac{-A_j}{\lambda_{0,j}}[/tex] and get the same result.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Anyone? I gone through this many times and I cannot see anything wrong.
 

FAQ: Help with Poisson problem in a unit ball.

How does the Poisson problem apply to a unit ball?

The Poisson problem is a mathematical concept used to solve for the distribution of points in a given space. In the case of a unit ball, the Poisson problem can be used to determine the number and placement of points within the ball, given certain parameters such as the radius and density of the points.

What is the significance of solving the Poisson problem in a unit ball?

Solving the Poisson problem in a unit ball can have practical applications in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. It can help with understanding the distribution of particles, determining the probability of events occurring in a confined space, and optimizing processes that involve random point distributions.

How is the Poisson problem in a unit ball solved?

The Poisson problem in a unit ball is typically solved using mathematical techniques such as integration, series expansions, and boundary value problems. Computer algorithms and simulations can also be used to solve more complex scenarios.

Are there any limitations to using the Poisson problem in a unit ball?

While the Poisson problem is a useful tool for analyzing point distributions, it does have some limitations. It assumes that the points are randomly and independently distributed, and that the density of points is constant throughout the space. These assumptions may not always hold true in real-world scenarios.

What are some real-world applications of the Poisson problem in a unit ball?

The Poisson problem in a unit ball has various applications in fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology. It can be used to analyze the distribution of atoms in a crystal, the positioning of molecules in a liquid, or the location of cells in a biological tissue. It can also be applied to problems in statistics, such as estimating the number of events in a given time interval.

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