Laplace equation in rectangular geometry

In summary, the given problem involves finding the potential f inside a battery filled with fluid of conductivity s. The battery consists of a cube with two plates at the base, one grounded and one at potential V=12 Volts, and nonconducting surfaces on the other sides. The current density j(x,y) follows Ohm's law and for equilibrium flow, div.j=0, leading to solving Laplace's equation. The boundary at y=L is a Neumann boundary and the boundary at y=0 is a Dirichlet boundary. However, it is unclear what the boundary condition is for y=0 since half of it is at 0V and the other half is at 12V.
  • #1
jaobyccdee
33
0
[/itex][/itex]

Homework Statement



A battery consists of a cube of side L filled with fluid of conductivity s. The electrodes in the battery consist of two plates on
the base at y = 0, one grounded and one at potential V = 12 Volts. The other sides of the battery casing are not
conductive. Find the potential f everywhere inside the battery.
Hint: current density j(x, y) flows according to Ohn’s law, j = σ Ewhere E = -div ∅. For equilibrium current flow, div.j = 0 which
implies σ (div)^2 f = 0. Therefore you must slove Laplace’s equation. Note that on nonconducting surfaces, j.n `
= 0wheren `
is normal
to the surface, so such surfaces have a Neumann boundary condition.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think the boundary at y=L is a Neumann boundary, and the boundary at y=0 is a Dirichlet boundary, but i don't know what is the boundary condition for y=0 since half of it is 0V and half of it is 12 V.
 
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  • #2
jaobyccdee said:
[/itex][/itex]

Homework Statement



A battery consists of a cube of side L filled with fluid of conductivity s. The electrodes in the battery consist of two plates on
the base at y = 0, one grounded and one at potential V = 12 Volts. The other sides of the battery casing are not
conductive. Find the potential f everywhere inside the battery.
Hint: current density j(x, y) flows according to Ohn’s law, j = σ Ewhere E = -div ∅. For equilibrium current flow, div.j = 0 which
implies σ (div)^2 f = 0. Therefore you must slove Laplace’s equation. Note that on nonconducting surfaces, j.n `
= 0wheren `
is normal
to the surface, so such surfaces have a Neumann boundary condition.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think the boundary at y=L is a Neumann boundary, and the boundary at y=0 is a Dirichlet boundary, but i don't know what is the boundary condition for y=0 since half of it is 0V and half of it is 12 V.

If it's a cube with lower left corner on origin then x=0 would be Dirichlet and x=L would be Neumann wouldn't they?

Also, a cube is 3d but j is just a function of x and y suggesting you don't have to worry about z.

It's been a while since I did this stuff though!
 

Related to Laplace equation in rectangular geometry

1. What is the Laplace equation in rectangular geometry?

The Laplace equation in rectangular geometry is a partial differential equation that relates the second order derivatives of a function to the function itself. In mathematical notation, it is written as ∇2f = 0, where ∇2 is the Laplace operator. This equation is used to describe many physical phenomena, such as the distribution of electric potential in a region with no electric charges or the temperature distribution in a region with no heat sources.

2. What is the physical significance of the Laplace equation?

The Laplace equation describes a system in equilibrium, where there are no sources or sinks of a given quantity. This means that the value of the quantity does not change over time and is uniform throughout the region. In the case of electric potential, this means that there are no charges present, and in the case of temperature, this means that there are no heat sources or sinks.

3. How is the Laplace equation solved in rectangular geometry?

The Laplace equation can be solved using various mathematical techniques, such as separation of variables, the method of images, or the method of Green's functions. These methods involve breaking down the equation into simpler parts and solving them individually, then combining the solutions to get the overall solution.

4. What are the boundary conditions for solving the Laplace equation in rectangular geometry?

The boundary conditions for solving the Laplace equation in rectangular geometry specify the values or derivatives of the function at the boundaries of the region. These conditions are necessary to uniquely determine the solution to the equation. Common boundary conditions include Dirichlet boundary conditions, where the value of the function is specified at the boundary, and Neumann boundary conditions, where the derivative of the function is specified at the boundary.

5. What are some practical applications of the Laplace equation in rectangular geometry?

The Laplace equation has many practical applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. Some examples include predicting the flow of electricity in a circuit, determining the temperature distribution in a material, and modeling the gravitational potential of a planet. It is also used in the study of fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, among other areas.

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