How to solve the following integral? Does it even have a solution?

In summary, the conversation discusses the integral of a certain type and whether an exact solution exists. It is suggested to approximate the integral by using a series expansion and choosing a convenient interval. However, for large values of a, the integral will still diverge.
  • #1
Nusc
760
2

Homework Statement

Integrals of this type:

[tex]
\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{2E-2(\frac{1}{r}-\frac{1}{2})+e^{-r^2-z^2}}} dz
[/tex]

does anyone know where I can find it?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2


I don't think that there is an exact solution.

For notational convenience, let me write
[tex]
\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{2E-2(\frac{1}{r}-\frac{1}{2})+e^{-r^2-z^2}}} dz
=
\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
[/tex]

If you plot the graph, you will see that it gets close to its asymptote y = 1/sqrt(c) rather quickly. So you could approximate it by [itex]1/\sqrt{c}[/itex], and expand around z = 0 in a series of which you only include the first several terms (they are polynomials in z with complicated coefficients, depending just on c and r though). I.e. something like

[tex]\int_{-a}^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
=
\int_{-a}^{-\delta} \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
+
\int_{-\delta}^{\delta} \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
+
\int_{\delta}^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
[/tex]
where you choose [itex]\delta \approx 2[/itex] (for sufficiently large a >> delta) conveniently so that the integrand is as good as constant outside the interval [itex][-\delta, \delta][/itex].
Then
[tex]\int_{-a}^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2} e^{-z^2}}} \, dz
\approx
\frac{1}{\sqrt{c}} \cdot (a - \delta)
+
\int_{-\delta}^{\delta} \left( c_0 + c_2 z^2 + c_4 z^4 + \cdots \right) \, dz
+
\frac{1}{\sqrt{c}} \cdot (a - \delta)
[/tex]
where the c2i are the Taylor series coefficients, e.g.
[tex]c_0 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{c + e^{-r^2}}}[/tex];
[tex]c_2 = \frac{e^{-r^2}}{2 \left(c+e^{-r^2}\right)^{3/2}}[/tex];
[tex]c_4 = \frac{1-2 c e^{r^2}}{8 \sqrt{c+e^{-r^2}} \left(c e^{r^2}+1\right)^2}[/tex]
etc. (you can get it as accurate as you want by including more terms).

Note that for [itex]a \to \infty[/itex] the integral will diverge, as the leading contribution is something like
[tex]\frac{2a}{\sqrt{c}}[/tex]
 

FAQ: How to solve the following integral? Does it even have a solution?

How do I know if an integral has a solution?

An integral has a solution if it is a definite integral with a finite interval and the function being integrated is continuous within that interval. If these conditions are met, then the integral will have a unique solution.

What techniques can I use to solve an integral?

There are several techniques that can be used to solve integrals, including substitution, integration by parts, trigonometric substitutions, and partial fraction decomposition. The most appropriate technique to use will depend on the specific integrand.

Can I use a calculator to solve an integral?

Yes, there are several online and handheld calculators that can solve integrals. However, it is important to note that these calculators may not always give the most accurate or complete solution, so it is always recommended to check your work by hand.

Is there a general method for solving all integrals?

No, there is no one general method for solving all integrals. Different integrals require different techniques to be solved, and some integrals may even require a combination of techniques to find a solution.

Can I use a computer program to solve an integral?

Yes, there are many computer programs, such as MATLAB or Wolfram Alpha, that can solve integrals. These programs use advanced algorithms and numerical methods to find solutions, but as with calculators, it is important to double-check the results for accuracy.

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