Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs

In summary, the person is trying to solve a boundary value problem for a function u(r,\theta) = G(r)\phi(\theta) where the boundary conditions are a<r<b and \frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(a,\theta) = f(\theta)\text{, }\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(b,\theta) = g(\theta). They are missing two constants for when n=0.
  • #1
nathan12343
27
0

Homework Statement


Solve Laplace's equation inside a circular annulus [itex](a<r<b)[/itex] subject to the boundary conditions [itex]\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(a,\theta) = f(\theta)\text{, }\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{r}}(b,\theta) = g(\theta)[/itex]


Homework Equations


Assume solutions of the form [itex]u(r,\theta) = G(r)\phi(\theta)[/itex]. This leads to an equation for phi and G, both of which can be solved by substitution:

[tex]
\frac{d^2\phi}{{d\theta}^2} = -\lambda^2\phi
[/tex]
[tex]
\phi = A\cos{\lambda\theta} + B\sin{\lambda\theta}
[/tex]

[tex]
r^2\frac{d^2G}{{dr}^2} + r\frac{dG}{dr} - n^2G = 0
[/tex]
[tex]
G = c_{1n}r^{-n} + c_{2n}r^n\text{ for } n\ne0
[/tex]
[tex]
G = c_{10} + c_{20}\ln(r)\text{ for } n=0
[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Periodic boundary conditions require that u and its derivative with respect to theta be continuous between -pi and pi. Then means [itex]\lambda = n[/itex] for all n greater than or equal to zero. We can write,

[tex]
u(r,\theta) = &\, A_{01} + A_{02}\ln(r) + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(A_{n1}r^n + A_{n2}r^{-n})\cos{n\theta} + (B_{n1}r^n + B_{n2}r^{-n})\sin{n\theta}
[/tex]
[tex]
\frac{\partial{u(r,\theta)}}{\partial{r}} = &\, A_{02}r^{-1} + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(nA_{n1}r^{n-1} + -nA_{n2}r^{-n-1})\cos{n\theta} + (nB_{n1}r^{n-1} - nB_{n2}r^{-n-1})\sin{n\theta}
[/tex]

I know that I can set everything in parentheses in front of the cosines and sines above equal to some constant when I set r=a,b to enforce the boundary conditions on the edge of the annulus. This leaves me with two equations in two unknowns for all the A's and B's with n greater than 1. My problem is how to set [itex]A_{02}[/tex] such that it will work at both boundaries. It seems like I really need two constants to match to the boundary for when [tex]n=0[/tex]. Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Can anyone help?
 
  • #3
Really? It seems like a simple problem...
 

FAQ: Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs

What is Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs?

Laplace's equation on an annulus with Nuemann BCs is a mathematical equation that describes the potential distribution between two concentric circles. It is used to model various physical phenomena, such as heat transfer and fluid flow.

What are the Neumann boundary conditions in Laplace's equation?

The Neumann boundary conditions in Laplace's equation specify the value of the derivative of the potential at the boundary of the annulus. This means that the normal component of the gradient of the potential is set to a constant value at the boundary.

How is Laplace's equation solved on an annulus with Neumann BCs?

Laplace's equation on an annulus with Neumann BCs can be solved using various techniques, such as separation of variables, Green's function method, or numerical methods. The exact method used will depend on the specific problem and boundary conditions.

What are some applications of Laplace's equation on an annulus with Neumann BCs?

Laplace's equation on an annulus with Neumann BCs has various practical applications, including modeling the flow of heat through a circular pipe, the diffusion of a gas in a circular container, and the electric potential between two concentric cylinders.

What are some limitations of Laplace's equation on an annulus with Neumann BCs?

Although Laplace's equation on an annulus with Neumann BCs is a powerful tool in solving certain physical problems, it does have some limitations. For example, it assumes a steady-state condition and does not consider time-dependent effects. Additionally, it may not accurately model highly complex systems with irregular boundaries.

Similar threads

Back
Top