What is Boundary conditions: Definition and 415 Discussions

In mathematics, in the field of differential equations, a boundary value problem is a differential equation together with a set of additional constraints, called the boundary conditions. A solution to a boundary value problem is a solution to the differential equation which also satisfies the boundary conditions.
Boundary value problems arise in several branches of physics as any physical differential equation will have them. Problems involving the wave equation, such as the determination of normal modes, are often stated as boundary value problems. A large class of important boundary value problems are the Sturm–Liouville problems. The analysis of these problems involves the eigenfunctions of a differential operator.
To be useful in applications, a boundary value problem should be well posed. This means that given the input to the problem there exists a unique solution, which depends continuously on the input. Much theoretical work in the field of partial differential equations is devoted to proving that boundary value problems arising from scientific and engineering applications are in fact well-posed.
Among the earliest boundary value problems to be studied is the Dirichlet problem, of finding the harmonic functions (solutions to Laplace's equation); the solution was given by the Dirichlet's principle.

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  1. Q

    Boundary conditions of beams

    Homework Statement Just need some quick confirmation. For a beam which has a load applied to it, will its free end always have a shear force, bending moment and curvature of zero?
  2. A

    Determining two sets of boundary conditions for a double integral prob

    Homework Statement Determining two sets of boundary conditions for a double integral problem in the polar coordinate system. Is the below correct? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution There are two sets of boundary conditions that you can use to solve this problem in the polar...
  3. K

    Solving a Differential Equation with Boundary Conditions

    What is the answer of this differential equation. ((d^2) r)/((ds)^2) +(m/(r^2)) -(nr/3)=0 the boundary conditions (i) r=a when s=0 and (ii) dr/ds =0 when r=b. m and n are constants.
  4. O

    Boundary conditions of 2 conductors

    Homework Statement Ignore the text in German. You just need to see the picture. 2 conductors both with potential 0 are given. \alpha is the angle between the conductors. (r, \varphi) are polar coordinates pointing to a point in the plane. Homework Equations What we need to do is...
  5. H

    PDE, heat equation with mixed boundary conditions

    Homework Statement solve the heat equation over the interval [0,1] with the following initial data and mixed boundary conditions.Homework Equations \partial _{t}u=2\partial _{x}^{2}u u(0,t)=0, \frac{\partial u}{\partial x}(1,t)=0 with B.C u(x,0)=f(x) where f is piecewise with values: 0...
  6. Superposed_Cat

    What are the boundary conditions of the universe?

    What are the boundary conditions of the universe?
  7. K

    Solving a PDE with Non-homogenous Boundary Conditions

    Homework Statement If utt - uxx= 1-x for 0<x<1, t>0 u(x,0) = x2(1-x) for 0≤x≤1 ut(x,)=0 for 0≤x≤1 ux(x,)=0 u(1,t)=0 find u(1/4,2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I was thinking to make a judicious change of variables that not only converts the PDE to a homogenous PDE, but also...
  8. M

    Uniqueness of the solution with certain boundary conditions

    Hey! Speaking electrodynamics, I can't seem to get mathematically or even physically convinced that the solution with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions is UNIQUE. Can someone explain it? Thanks.
  9. J

    Doubts on the boundary conditions of PDE

    Hi all, Say I am solving a PDE as \frac{\partial y^2}{\partial^2 x}+\frac{\partial y}{\partial x}=f, with the boundary condition y(\pm L)=A. I can understand for the second order differential term, there two boundary conditions are well suited. But what about the first order differential term...
  10. DaTario

    Infinite Well and Boundary Conditions

    Hi All, I would like to know why in the infinite well problem, after having solved the time independent SE, we are not supposed to equal to zero the x derivative of the spatial part of the wave function at -L and L (2L being the total width). We only have to make it zero at the boundary...
  11. genxium

    Derivation of ElectroMagnetics Boundary Conditions

    As learning laser fundumentals, I've just reviewed the boundary conditions for electromagnetic waves. However, I came back to a point that confused me in the past and want to get it clear now :) One of the boundary conditions, regarding the magnetic fields parallel to the medium-interface...
  12. S

    Boundary Conditions for a beam with two supports

    Homework Statement I'm trying to find the boundary conditions for the beam shown in the figure. Homework Equations Notation: V= Shear force M= Bending momentThe Attempt at a Solution at x=0 V=R1, M=0 at x=9 V=R3, M=0 In the solution provided at x=9 V=-R2. I don't understand why it's...
  13. R

    Additional boundary conditions for inclined flow?

    Homework Statement I am solving an inclined flow problem, and am stuck. The problem is to find the volumetric flow rate of inclined flow in a square channel. Once I have the velocity profile, I can just integrate over that to get the flow rate. 2. The attempt at a solution Letting the...
  14. D

    Mass Transfer - Boundary Conditions

    Homework Statement An airborne spherical cellular organism, 0.015 cm in diameter, utilizes 4.5 gmol O2/(hour kg of cell mass). Assume Sh = 4 for external convective resistance to O2 transfer to the cell. (Sh = kd/D is based on diffusivity in the gas phase). Assume zero-order kinetics for...
  15. A

    Integration/ boundary conditions

    Hi guys, I regard a particle in an Potential. I have callculated the partition function and the probability density function F_{1}. $$ H= \frac{p^{2}_{x}}{2m} + \frac{p^{2}_{z}}{2m}+ \frac{p^{2}_{\phi}}{2I}+ mgz $$ For callculating an average value I do: $$ <mgz>=\int...
  16. S

    Radiative/Convective Boundary Conditions for Heat Equation

    Hi everyone, I'm attempting to create a computer program to solve the transient 3d heat equation using the Crank Nicolson method. I would like to model the boundaries of my domain as losing heat via convection and radiation due to the temperature difference between the boundary and the air in...
  17. M

    Boundary conditions on a conductor?

    I've been trying to get my head arround this problem for several days now, and while I deemed it relatively simple at first it turns out that I can't figure out the BCs on a conductor, to which we apply a potential U. In the simplified version of the problem, there is a rectangular conductor...
  18. D

    Deriving d'Alemberts solution - Boundary conditions

    Hi, I shall show (using Fourier transform) that the solution to \frac{\partial^2 u(x,t)}{\partial t^2} = \frac{\partial^2 u(x,t)}{\partial x^2}\\ u(x,0) = f(x) \\ u_t(x,0) = 0 is u(x,t) = (f(x+t) + f(x-t))/2 I got it almost: Taking the Fourier transform in the variable x...
  19. A

    PDE: Initial Conditions Contradicting Boundary Conditions

    Suppose we have the following IBVP: PDE: u_{t}=α^{2}u_{xx} 0<x<1 0<t<∞ BCs: u(0,t)=0, u_{x}(1,t)=1 0<t<∞ IC: u(x,0)=sin(πx) 0≤x≤1 It appears as though the BCs and the IC do not match. The derivative of temperature with respect to x at position x=1 is a constant 1...
  20. S

    Laplace equation in a square with mixed boundary conditions

    The length of the side of the square is a. The boundary conditions are the following: (1) the left edge is kept at temperature T=C2 (2) the bottom edge is kept at temperature T=C1 (3) the top and right edges are perfectly insulated, that is \dfrac{\partial T}{\partial x}=0,\dfrac{\partial...
  21. J

    PDE Separation of Variables with Nonzero Boundary Conditions

    Homework Statement Solve the diffusion equation: u_{xx}-\alpha^2 u_{t}=0 With the boundary and initial conditions: u(0,t)=u_{0} u(L,t)=u_{L} u(x,0=\phi(x) The Attempt at a Solution I want to solve using separation of variables... I start by assuming a solution of the form...
  22. D

    MHB Solution of the Damped Wave Equation under Certain Boundary Conditions

    $$ u_{tt} + 3u_t = u_{xx}\Rightarrow \varphi\psi'' + 3\varphi\psi' = \varphi''\psi. $$ $$ u(0,t) = u(\pi,t) = 0 $$ $$ u(x,0) = 0\quad\text{and}\quad u_t(x,0) = 10 $$ \[\varphi(x) = A\cos kx + B\sin kx\\\] \begin{alignat*}{3} \psi(t) & = & C\exp\left(-\frac{3t}{2}\right)\exp\left[t\frac{\sqrt{9...
  23. B

    Laplace equation w/ dirichlet boundary conditions - Partial Diff Eq.

    Homework Statement The steady state temperature distribution T(x,y) in a flat metal sheet obeys the partial differential equation: \displaystyle \frac{\partial^2 T}{\partial x^2}+ \frac{\partial^2 T}{\partial y^2} = 0 Seperate the variables in this equation just like in the...
  24. S

    Extremely confused about EQS boundary conditions

    I'm having a tremendously hard time understanding the connection between macro and micro scale electrostatics and how (if?) they're described EQS boundary conditions. I understand that in a medium with mobile ions, an applied current or field will lead to the establishment of an electric double...
  25. C

    Solve differential equation with boundary conditions using substitution

    μ^{2}\frac{d^{2}u}{dx^{2}}+ae^{u}=0 Boundary conditions: u(-L)=u(L)=u_{0} Solve by multiplying by \frac{du}{dx} and integrating in x I know you have to use substitution, but I keep going in circles.
  26. D

    MHB Boundary conditions spherical coordinates

    Laplace axisymmetric $u(a,\theta) = f(\theta)$ and $u(b,\theta) = 0$ where $a<\theta<b$. The general soln is $$ u(r,\theta) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}A_n r^n P_n(\cos\theta) + B_n\frac{1}{r^{n+1}}P_n(\cos\theta) $$ I am supposed to obtain $$ u(r,\theta) = \sum_{n =...
  27. S

    Linearity of boundary conditions

    Homework Statement Using the definition of linearity to determine whether or not ech case is a linear homegeneous boundary condition: i.) Uxx(0,y)=Ux(0,y)U(0,y) ii.)Uy(x,0)=Ux(5,y) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know Uxx(0,y)=Ux(0,y)U(0,y) is not linear...
  28. M

    Using Mixed Electromagnetic Boundary Conditions

    Hi As we know, we have two kinds of Electromagnetic Boundary Conditions for interfaces in an electromagnetic problem.one is imposing the continuity of Bz and Hr and the other is applying the continuity of A(Magnetic Vector Potential) and the discontinuity of its derivative with respect to the...
  29. D

    MHB Orthogonality of Eigenfunctions of Mixed Boundary Conditions

    $$ \left.(\phi_n\phi_m' - \phi_m\phi_n')\right|_0^L + (\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0 $$ where $\phi_{n,m}$ and $\lambda_{n,m}$ represent distinct modal eigenfunctions which satisfy mixed boundary conditions at $x = 0,L$ of the form \begin{alignat*}{3} a\phi(0) + b\phi'(0)...
  30. T

    Neumann Boundary Conditions using FTCS on the Heat Equation

    I am really confused with the concept of Neumann Boundary conditions. For the simple PDE ut=uxx for the domain from 0<=x<=1 I'm trying to use a ghost point (maintain a second order scheme) for the Neumann Boundary condition ux(0,t) = 0. I understand that I can setup a scheme to...
  31. R

    D'Alembert question - boundary conditions parts

    Homework Statement I have a general wave equation on the half line utt-c2uxx=0 u(x,0)=α(x) ut(x,0)=β(x) and the boundary condition; ut(0,t)=cηux where α is α extended as an odd function to the real line (and same for β) I have to find the d'alembert solution for x>=0; and show that in...
  32. V

    Boundary conditions with dielectrics question

    Hi all, I'm doing what should be a pretty simple problem, but some theory is giving me trouble. Basically, in this problem I have a conducting sphere, surrounded by a thick insulating layer, and then vacuum outside that. I'm attempting to solve for the potential in the insulating layer by...
  33. R

    PDE with oscillating boundary conditions

    Hi, Say I have this pde: u_t=\alpha u_{xx} u(0,t)=\sin{x}+\sin{2x} u(L,t)=0 I know the solution for the pde below is v(x,t): v_t=\alpha v_{xx} v(0,t)=\sin{x} v(L,t)=0 And I know the solution for the pde below is w(x,t) w_t=\alpha w_{xx} w(0,t)=\sin{2x} w(L,t)=0 Would...
  34. K

    Beam support conditions (Boundary Conditions) in practice

    Hi all. Let's say I want to reproduce the support conditions for a beam. The easiest one I could think of is fixed end. Like I hammer an end of the beam into the wall. This represents fixed boundary condition. Likewise can anyone point out how to reproduce Simply supported end condition in...
  35. G

    Periodic boundary conditions for 2d grid

    Hello , i am trying to implement this algorithm for 2d grid. 1) i am not sure if my calculations are correct. 2 ) i don't understand how to return my final calculation ( how will i insert to the matrix i want (the 's' in this example) the new coordinates (xup,xdow,yup,ydown)). I mean ...
  36. C

    Counting electromagnetic modes in a rectangular cavity and boundary conditions

    The electric field in a cubical cavity of side length L with perfectly conducting walls is E_x = E_1 cos(n_1 x \pi/L) sin(n_2 y \pi/L) sin(n_3 z \pi/L) sin(\omega t) E_y = E_2 sin(n_1 x \pi/L) cos(n_2 y \pi/L) sin(n_3 z \pi/L) sin(\omega t) E_z = E_3 sin(n_1 x \pi/L) sin(n_2 y \pi/L)...
  37. T

    Boundary Conditions for 3 Coupled First order ODE

    I am trying to solve four coupled equations. Three of them are first order differential equations and the fourth is a algebraic one. The equations look something like this: V_{l}(r) = f_{1}(r)W'_{l}(r) (1) h''_{l} + f_{2}(r)h'_{l} + f_{3}(r)h_{l}(r) = U_{l}(r) (2) f_{4}(r)U'_{l} +...
  38. M

    Separation of Variables, Solutions to Laplace's Eqtns with Boundary Conditions

    Not really a specific problem, but just a general question: Does anyone have any good references (preferably online) for solving E&M problems with this method? I'm using Griffith's Electrodynamics book for my class and I'm trying to get ready for a final. This is the only part I'm having...
  39. D

    MHB Boundary Conditions of the Third Kind

    \begin{align} \varphi''+\lambda\varphi &= 0, & \quad 0< x < L\\ \varphi'(0) &= 0 &\\ \varphi'(L)+h\varphi(L) &=0, & \quad h\in\mathbb{R} \end{align} $$ \varphi = A\cos x\sqrt{\lambda} + B\frac{\sin x\sqrt{\lambda}}{\sqrt{\lambda}} $$ Since $\varphi'(0) = 0$, $\varphi = A\cos x\sqrt{\lambda}$...
  40. A

    Boundary Conditions in a Waveguide

    Homework Statement Derive the boundary conditions for the B field imposed by divB=0I'm lost with this question, I don't really understand how boundary conditions work. D.J. Griffiths only really mentions how to arrive at the conclusion that: B_{1}\bot-B_{2}\bot=0 but doesn't outline the method...
  41. R

    FEA Boundary conditions for basic helical spring deformation

    Hello, I was wondering if anyone can help me with my FEA approach. I want to check that my boundary conditions for a simple quarter torus (representing a section of a helical spring) are correct. I'm neglecting the helical angle at this stage. I have fixed one end in all axes, and applied...
  42. G

    Solving PDEs with Initial & Boundary Conditions

    Homework Statement The PDE: ∂n/∂t + G∂n/∂L=0 The initial condition: n(0,L)=ns The boundary condition: n(t,0)=B/G The parameter B and G above are dependent upon process conditions and change at each time. They can be calculated with adequate experimental data. Homework Equations...
  43. P

    ODE Problem with boundary conditions

    Homework Statement Solve: y'' - λy = 0 where y(0)=y(1)=0, y=y(t) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Hi everyone, This is part of a PDE question, I just need to solve this particular ODE. I know how to do it in the case for y'' + λy = 0, where you get the...
  44. W

    Laplace tranforms with boundary conditions

    Homework Statement Here's the question: Use laplace transforms to find X(t), Y(t) and Z(t) given that: X'+Y'=Y+Z Y'+Z'=X+Z X'+Z'=X+Y subject to the boundary conditions X(0)=2, Y(0)=-3,Z(0)=1. Now I have learned the basics of laplace transforms, but have not seen a question in...
  45. S

    Boundary Conditions for an Infinite Conducting Sheet

    If we place an infinite conducting sheet in free space, and fix its potential to \varphi_0, how do we solve solve for the potential on either side of the sheet? Since the potential blows up at infinity, it seems impossible to define boundary conditions.
  46. D

    Effect of sample size when using periodic boundary conditions in 2D Ising model

    Hi, I'm currently using the Monte Carlo Metropolis algorithm to investigate the 2D Ising model. I have an NxN lattice of points with periodic boundary conditions imposed. I was wondering if anyone could explain why the sharpness of the phase transition is affected by the size of N? I.e...
  47. R

    Basis functions of a differential equation, given boundary conditions

    First off, I've never taken a differential equations class. This is for my Math Methods for Physicists class, and we are on the topic of DE. Unfortunately, we didn't cover this much, so most of what I am about to show you comes from the professor giving me tips and my own common sense. I'd...
  48. S

    Double delta potential - boundary conditions

    A double delta potential is given by V(x) = c_+ \delta (x + \frac{L}{2}) + c_- \delta (x - \frac{L}{2}). Use the discontinuity relation to find the boundary conditions in x = \pm \frac{L}{2} . The general solutions are: \psi(x) = \begin{cases} Ae^{ikx} + Be^{-ikx} & x < -\frac{L}{2}...
  49. S

    Heat equation with peculiar boundary conditions

    Homework Statement Find the solution to the heat equation for the following conditions: Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Not sure. I've only encountered the following scenarios: temperatures of both ends are arbitrary values both ends are insulated (so the first...
  50. M

    MHB Wave equation and multiple boundary conditions

    I need to apply D'Lembert's method but in this case I don't know how. How to proceed? Determine the solution of the wave equation on a semi-infinite interval $u_{tt}=c^2u_{xx},$ $0<x<\infty,$ $t>0,$ where $u(0,t)=0$ and the initial conditions: $\begin{aligned} & u(x,0)=\left\{ \begin{align}...
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