Laplace equation polar where does the ln constant come from

In summary, the two ODE solutions for the given problem are the cosine/sine and $r^n$ due to it being a Cauchy Euler type. For the steady state, the solution is a constant with a period of 2pi. However, with $r^n$, when lambda is equal to zero, $\ln r$ comes into play. This can be seen in equation (9) on the provided website. When \(m=0\), the solution for \(R\) can be found by solving \[r\frac{d}{dr}\left(\frac{1}{r}\frac{dR}{dr}\right)=0.\]
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
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So we have the two ODE solutions are the cosine/sine and $r^n$ since it was a Cauchy Euler type.
For the steady state, the solution is just a constant since it has to have period 2pi. But with $r^n$, how with lambda equal to zero does $\ln r$ come into play?

If my question is hard to follow, go here http://web.mit.edu/6.013_book/www/chapter5/5.7.html

Look at (9) and you will see ln r. I don't see we get that.
 
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
So we have the two ODE solutions are the cosine/sine and $r^n$ since it was a Cauchy Euler type.
For the steady state, the solution is just a constant since it has to have period 2pi. But with $r^n$, how with lambda equal to zero does $\ln r$ come into play?

If my question is hard to follow, go here http://web.mit.edu/6.013_book/www/chapter5/5.7.html

Look at (9) and you will see ln r. I don't see we get that.

Note that when \(m=0\) we have,

\[r\frac{d}{dr}\left(\frac{1}{r}\frac{dR}{dr}\right)=0\]

Now try to find \(R\).
 

FAQ: Laplace equation polar where does the ln constant come from

What is the Laplace equation in polar coordinates?

The Laplace equation in polar coordinates is a partial differential equation that describes the relationship between the potential function and its derivatives in two-dimensional polar coordinates. It is used to solve problems involving electric or gravitational potential, fluid flow, and heat flow.

What does the "ln" constant represent in Laplace equation polar?

The "ln" constant in the Laplace equation polar represents the natural logarithm function. It is used to describe the relationship between the potential function and the distance from the origin in polar coordinates.

Where does the "ln" constant come from in Laplace equation polar?

The "ln" constant comes from the derivation of the Laplace equation in polar coordinates. It arises when solving for the potential function using separation of variables, where the natural logarithm function is used to integrate one of the resulting equations.

How is the "ln" constant related to the boundary conditions in Laplace equation polar?

The "ln" constant is related to the boundary conditions in Laplace equation polar because it is used to determine the specific solution for a given problem. The boundary conditions provide the values of the potential function at the boundaries, and the "ln" constant is used to adjust the general solution to fit these conditions.

Can Laplace equation polar be solved using numerical methods?

Yes, Laplace equation polar can be solved using numerical methods such as the finite difference method or the finite element method. These methods involve discretizing the domain into a grid or mesh and solving for the potential function at each point using iterative techniques.

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