Sturm-Liouville System: βu & m2/(1-u2) Effects on λ

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In summary, the equation of interest is (1-u2)P''(u) - 2uP'(u) + (λ - βu - m2/(1-u2))P(u) = 0, with m taking integer values, λ being an eigenvalue, and β being a known constant. There is also a change of basis where u = cosθ, which is similar to the Legendre's associated equation but includes βu. In the Legendre's associated equation, λ is constrained by eigenvalues of the form l(l+1) where l is a positive integer. It is uncertain if λ in the equation is constrained to integral values and the nature of the eigenspectrum is still unknown. The
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Gear300
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The equation I'm interested in is

(1-u2)P''(u) - 2uP'(u) + (λ - βu - m2/(1-u2))P(u) = 0, where m takes on integer values, λ is an eigenvalue, and β is a known constant. Also, there is a change of basis where u = cosθ.

It is similar to the Legendre's associated equation

(1-u2)P''(u) - 2uP'(u) + (λ - m2/(1-u2)P(u) = 0, but includes the βu.

In the Legendre's associated equation, λ is constrained by eigenvalues of the form l(l+1), where l takes on positive integer values.
I'll be looking around for solutions to the equation in question, but I would at least like confirmation as to whether λ here is constrained to integral values (in other words, the nature of the eigenspectrum). I suspect that they are not.
 
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Also, I'm not sure how to interpret the change of basis (u = cosθ). Is this just a substitution that changes the variable in the equation? Is there any other significance to this?
 

FAQ: Sturm-Liouville System: βu & m2/(1-u2) Effects on λ

What is a Sturm-Liouville system?

A Sturm-Liouville system is a type of differential equation that involves a second-order linear differential equation and a boundary value problem. It is commonly used in mathematical physics to model physical phenomena, such as heat transfer and wave propagation.

What is the significance of βu in the Sturm-Liouville system?

The term βu in the Sturm-Liouville system refers to a function that is multiplied by the dependent variable u. It represents a potential function that is dependent on the variable u and is often used to model the self-interaction of a physical system.

How does the m2/(1-u2) term affect the Sturm-Liouville system?

The term m2/(1-u2) in the Sturm-Liouville system represents the eigenvalue of the system. It affects the behavior of the system by determining the possible values of the dependent variable u and the corresponding eigenfunctions.

What are the effects of λ on the Sturm-Liouville system?

The parameter λ in the Sturm-Liouville system is known as the eigenvalue parameter. It determines the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the system, which in turn affect the behavior and solutions of the system.

How is the Sturm-Liouville system used in physics?

The Sturm-Liouville system is used in physics to model a variety of physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, wave propagation, and quantum mechanics. It allows scientists to mathematically describe and analyze complex physical systems and predict their behavior under different conditions.

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