Is the Mapping (x,y) -> (u^2-v^2,2uv) Conformal Everywhere Except the Origin?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Ackbach
  • Start date
  • Tags
    2015
In summary, "conformal" in this context refers to a mapping that preserves angles between curves and does not distort their shape or orientation. The origin is excluded in this mapping because it is not defined at this point, and it cannot be extended to include the origin without violating the definition of conformal. This mapping is useful in mathematics and other fields such as physics, computer graphics, and engineering. However, it is only not conformal at the origin and is conformal everywhere else.
  • #1
Ackbach
Gold Member
MHB
4,155
92
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

I am indebted to Philip Exeter's Math Problems for the following problem. Prove that the mapping $(x,y)\mapsto (u^2-v^2,2uv)$ is conformal everywhere except the origin.

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No one answered this week's POTW. Here is my solution:

Note that if we let $z=u+iv$, then $z^2=u^2-v^2+2iuv$, and is an analytic function. Its derivative is $2z$, and so we see that $z^2$ is conformal everywhere except at the origin. But the real part of $z^2$ is the $x$-component of the function given, and the imaginary part of $z^2$ is the $y$-component of the function given. Therefore, the function given is conformal everywhere except at the origin.
 

FAQ: Is the Mapping (x,y) -> (u^2-v^2,2uv) Conformal Everywhere Except the Origin?

What is meant by "conformal" in this context?

Conformal refers to a type of mapping that preserves angles between curves at a given point. Essentially, it means that the mapping does not distort the shape or orientation of curves.

Why is the origin excluded in this mapping?

The origin is excluded because the mapping is not defined at this point. When plugging in (0,0) for x and y, the resulting values for u and v are undefined. Therefore, the mapping is not conformal at the origin.

Can this mapping be extended to include the origin?

No, this mapping cannot be extended to include the origin because it would violate the definition of conformal. Including the origin would result in a distortion of angles between curves, which goes against the definition of conformal mapping.

Are there any other points where this mapping is not conformal?

No, the mapping (x,y) -> (u^2-v^2,2uv) is conformal everywhere except at the origin. This means that at every other point, the mapping preserves angles between curves and does not distort the shape or orientation of curves.

How is this mapping useful in mathematics or other fields?

This mapping has many applications in mathematics and physics, particularly in the study of complex numbers and fluid dynamics. It can also be used in computer graphics to create distortion-free images and in engineering for conformal transformations of objects.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top