Orthogonality of Eigenfunctions of Mixed Boundary Conditions

In summary: The two eigenvalues are $\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2$, which is zero if and only if the eigenfunctions are orthogonal.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$$
\left.(\phi_n\phi_m' - \phi_m\phi_n')\right|_0^L + (\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0
$$
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) & = & 0\\
c\phi(L) + d\phi'(L) & = & 0
\end{alignat*}
Show that the eigenfunctions are orthogonal.
$$
\int_0^L\phi_m\phi_m dx = 0.
$$
I not sure how to proceed since there are constants a,b,c,d.

If they weren't there, I would proceed as
$$
(\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = -\left.(\phi_n\phi_m' - \phi_m\phi_n')\right|_0^L
$$
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\phi(0) &= &-\phi'(0) \\
\phi(L) &=& -\phi'(L)
\end{alignat*}
Therefore,
$$
(\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0\iff \int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0
$$
 
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
$$
\left.(\phi_n\phi_m' - \phi_m\phi_n')\right|_0^L + (\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0
$$
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) & = & 0\\
c\phi(L) + d\phi'(L) & = & 0
\end{alignat*}
Show that the eigenfunctions are orthogonal.
$$
\int_0^L\phi_m\phi_m dx = 0.
$$
I not sure how to proceed since there are constants a,b,c,d.

If they weren't there, I would proceed as
$$
(\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = -\left.(\phi_n\phi_m' - \phi_m\phi_n')\right|_0^L
$$
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\phi(0) &= &-\phi'(0) \\
\phi(L) &=& -\phi'(L)
\end{alignat*}
Therefore,
$$
(\lambda_m^2 - \lambda_n^2)\int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0\iff \int_0^L\phi_n\phi_m dx = 0
$$
You know that $a\phi_m(0) + b\phi'_m(0) = 0$ and $a\phi_n(0) + b\phi'_n(0) = 0$. Therefore $\dfrac{\phi'_m(0)}{\phi_m(0)} = \dfrac{\phi'_n(0)}{\phi_n(0)} = -\dfrac ab.$ It follows that $\phi_n(0)\phi_m'(0) - \phi_m(0)\phi_n'(0) = \phi_n(0)\phi_m(0)\Bigl(\dfrac{\phi'_m(0)}{\phi_m(0)} - \dfrac{\phi'_n(0)}{\phi_n(0)}\Bigr) = \phi_n(0)\phi_m(0)\Bigl(-\dfrac ab + \dfrac ab\Bigr) = 0.$ Similarly at the other endpoint $L$. I leave you to fret about what happens if there are any zeros on the denominators of those fractions.
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
It follows that $\phi_n(0)\phi_m'(0) - \phi_m(0)\phi_n'(0) = \phi_n(0)\phi_m(0)\Bigl(\dfrac{\phi'_m(0)}{\phi_m(0)} - \dfrac{\phi'_n(0)}{\phi_n(0)}\Bigr) $

How did this come about?
 

Related to Orthogonality of Eigenfunctions of Mixed Boundary Conditions

1. What is the concept of orthogonality in the context of eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions?

The concept of orthogonality in this context refers to the property of eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions to be perpendicular to each other. This means that the inner product of any two different eigenfunctions is equal to zero.

2. How does the orthogonality of eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions relate to solving boundary value problems?

The orthogonality of eigenfunctions is an important property that allows us to use them as a basis for solving boundary value problems. By expressing a given function as a linear combination of these orthogonal eigenfunctions, we can determine the coefficients and ultimately find a solution to the problem.

3. Can eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions be non-orthogonal?

Yes, it is possible for eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions to be non-orthogonal. However, orthogonality is a desirable property as it simplifies the process of solving boundary value problems and can often lead to more efficient and accurate solutions.

4. How is the orthogonality of eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions mathematically expressed?

The orthogonality of eigenfunctions is expressed mathematically using the inner product or dot product. For two functions f(x) and g(x), the inner product is defined as ∫f(x)g(x)dx. In the context of eigenfunctions, this inner product is equal to zero if the functions are orthogonal.

5. Are there any real-world applications of the orthogonality of eigenfunctions of mixed boundary conditions?

Yes, the orthogonality of eigenfunctions has various applications in physics and engineering. For example, it is used in the study of heat transfer, vibration analysis, and quantum mechanics. It also plays a crucial role in solving problems involving partial differential equations in many other fields.

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