Two Dimensional Steady – State Heat Flow

OR
Laplace’s Equation In Two Dimensions
Let us consider a plate of uniform thickness α cm, density ρ (gm / cm 3)
specific heat s(cal / gr.deg) and thermal conductivity (cal /cm.sec.deg). Let it
be in XOY plane. Let P(x,y) be any point of the temperature at P be
independent of t so that u(x,y) is the temperature at P. We can prove that
u(x,y) is governed by the equation

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
+ =0 .............. (1)
∂ x2 ∂ y2

This is called two dimensional Laplace’s equation.

Solution of Laplace’s equation using the method of Separation of Variables:

Let u=X(x).Y(y) be the solution of equation (1).

2 2
∂u 1 ∂ u 11 ∂u 1 ∂ u 11
Then ∂ x = X Y , 2 =X Y , ∂ y = X Y , 2 = X Y
∂x ∂y

These values substituting in equation (1), we get

X 11 Y + X Y 11=0

X 11 −Y 11
Hence X 11 Y =− X Y 11 ⇨ =
X Y

Since L.H.S is a function of x, and R.H.S is a function of y, the equality is

possible if and only if each side is equal to the same constant say λ.

X 11 −Y 11
Thus = =λ
X Y

Let us take λ to be real. Then three cases are possible.

i.e., λ >0, λ=0,λ <0

Case (1): Let λ >0. We can take λ = p2 (p >0)
11 11
X −Y
We have = =p2
X Y
11
⸫X d2 X
=p 2 ⇨ X 11=p 2 X ⇨ X 11−p 2 X =0 ⇨ −p 2 X =0
X dX 2

2
d 2 d
Let D= dx
∧D = 2
dx

⸫ D 2 X− p2 X =0 ⇨ ( D2− p2 ) X =0

The auxiliary equation is f ( m )=m2 −p 2=0 ⇨ m2= p2

⇨m=± p

⸫ X ( x )= A1 e px + B1 e−px
11 2
−Y 2 11 2 11 2 d Y 2
and Y = p ⇨Y =− p Y ⇨ Y + p Y =0 ⇨ 2 + p Y =0
dY
2
d 2 d
Let D= dy
∧D = 2
dy

⸫ D Y + p Y =0 ⇨ ( D + p ) Y =0
2 2 2 2

The auxiliary equation is f ( m )=m2 + p2=0⇨ m2=− p2

⇨m=± √ − p2 ⇨ m=± p i

⸫Y ( y )=C 1 cos py + D1 sin py

Hence ( x , y ) =( A1 e px + B1 e− px ) ( C1 cos py + D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

Case (2): Let λ=0. We have

X 11 −Y 11
= =0
X Y
11
X 11 2
i.e., =0 ⇨ X =0 ⇨ D X =0
X

D=0,0
⸫ X ( x )= A2 x+ B2

−Y 11
=0⇨ Y 11=0 ⇨ D2 Y =0 ⇨ D=0,0
Y

⸫Y ( y )=C 2 y + D2

Hence ( x , y ) =( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D2 ) ................ (S.2)

Case (3): Let λ <0. We can take λ = -p2 where p>0

X 11 −Y 11 2
We have = =− p
X Y

X 11 2 11 2 11 2 d2 X
⸫ X =−p ⇨ X =− p X ⇨ X + p X =0 ⇨ 2
+ p2 X=0
dX
2
d 2 d
Let D= dx
∧D = 2
dx

⸫ D 2 X + p2 X=0 ⇨ ( D2+ p2 ) X =0

The auxiliary equation is f ( m )=m2 + p2=0⇨ m2=− p2

⇨m=± √ − p2 ⇨ m=± p i

⸫ X ( x )= A3 cos px+ B 3 sin px

11 2
−Y 2 11 2 11 2 d Y 2
and Y =− p ⇨ Y = p Y ⇨ Y −p Y =0 ⇨ 2 − p Y =0
dY
2
d 2 d
Let D= dy ∧D =
d y2

⸫ D 2 Y − p2 Y =0⇨ ( D2− p2 ) Y =0

The auxiliary equation is f ( m )=m2 −p 2=0 ⇨ m2= p2

⇨m=± p

⸫Y ( y )=C 3 e py + D3 e− py

Hence ( x , y ) =( A 3 cos px+ B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D3 e−py ) ............ (S.3)

Thus the different solutions of equation (1) are given by

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e +B 1 e ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

px − px

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e + D 3 e ) ............ (S.3)

py − py

We select one of these solutions which is consistent with the conditions of the
given problem.

Problems
1. A long rectangular plate of width a cm with insulated surface has its
temperature u(x,y), equal to 0 on both the long sides and one of the
short side so that u(0,y) = 0,u(a,y) = 0,u(x,∞)=0 and u(x,0)=kx
 (0≤x≤a). Obtain the steady – state temperature at any point of the
plate.

Solution: The steady – state temperature distribution u(x,y) is governed

by
2 2
∂ u ∂ u
2
+ 2 =0 .............. (1)
∂x ∂ y

Subject to u(0,y) =0 for all t ................. (2)

u(a,y) = 0 for all t ................ (3)

u(x,∞)=0 for 0≤x≤l .............. (4)

u(x,0) = kx for 0≤x≤l .............. (5)

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e +B 1 e ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

px − px

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D 3 e− py ) ............ (S.3)

The condition (4) implies u(x,y)→0 as y→∞. Then (S.1),(S.2) are not
appropriate for this condition.

Hence the appropriate solution is (S.3).

Consider (S.3):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 cos px + B1 sin px ) ( C1 e py + D 1 e− py )

As condition (4) requires u(x,y)→0 as y→∞, we have to take C 1 = 0.(otherwise

u will not be finite as y→∞).
− py
Hence u ( x , y )=( A 1 cos px + B1 sin px ) D 1 e

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) e− py ............... (6)

renaming A1D1 as A and B1D1 as B.

From condition (2), we get u(0,y) =0

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) e

− py
⇨ A e− py =0 ⇨ A=0 ( ⸪ e− py ≠ 0 )

From equation (6), we have u ( x , y )=B sin px e− py .

Using condition (3), u(a,y) = 0

⸫ u ( a , y )=0=B sin pa e− py ⇨sin pa=0 ⸪ B ≠0∧e− py ≠ 0

(if B were 0, we get u = 0 which is not valid).

nπ
⇨ pa=nπ ⇨ p= a ,(n=1,2,3.....)

Thus a typical solution of equation (1) satisfying condition (4) and conditions
−nπy
nπx
(2),(3) is given by u ( x , y )=Bn sin e a
.................... (7)
a

Since equation (1) is homogeneous and the conditions (2),(3) and (4) are
homogeneous, the most general solution of equation (1) satisfying (2),(3),(4)
is given by
 ∞ −nπy
nπx
u ( x , y )=∑ B n sin e a
................. (8)
n=1 a
a
2 nπx
with Bn= ∫ kx . sin dx
a 0 a

[( ) ( )]
a
nπx nπx
a −cos −sin
2k nπx 2 k a a
Bn= ∫ x .sin dx ⇨ Bn= a x nπ
−( 1 ) 2 2
a 0 a n π
a a2 0

[ ] [ ]
2 2
2k a nπa a nπa 2k a nπ .0 a nπ .0
Bn= −a . cos + sin − −0. cos + 2 2 sin
a nπ a n2 π 2 a a nπ a n π a

[ ] [ ]
2 2 2
2 k −a a 2k a
B n= cos nπ + 2 2 sin nπ − sin 0
a nπ n π a n2 π 2

Bn=
[
2 k −a 2
a nπ
a2
cos nπ + 2 2 sin nπ −0
n π ] ⇨ [ Bn=
2 k −a 2
a nπ
cos nπ ]
−2 ka 2 ka
Bn= (−1 )n ⇨ Bn= (−1 )n+1
nπ nπ

Hence the required temperature distribution is given by

∞ n +1 −nπy
2 ka (−1 ) nπx
u ( x , y )= ∑
π n=1 n
sin
a
.e a

2. A square plate is bounded by the lines x = 0, y = 0, x = l, y = l. Its faces

are insulated. The temperature along the upper horizontal edge is given
by u(x,l) = x(l – x) when 0≤x≤l while the other three edges are kept at
00C. Find the steady – state temperature in the plane.

Solution: The steady – state temperature distribution u(x,y) is governed

by

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
+ =0 .............. (1)
∂ x2 ∂ y2

Subject to u(0,y) =0, 0≤y≤l................. (2)

u(l,y) = 0 0≤y≤l................ (3)

u(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤l .............. (4)

u(x,l) = x(l-x) , 0≤x≤l .............. (5)

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e px +B 1 e− px ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D 3 e− py ) ............ (S.3)

Consider (S.1): u ( x , y )=( A 1 e px +B 1 e− px ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py )

Using condition (2) i.e., u(0,y) = 0, we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A1 e p .0 + B1 e−p .0 ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py )

( A1 + B1 ) ( C1 cos py + D 1 sin py )=0 for all y

⸫ A1 + B1=0 since ( C 1 cos py + D 1 sin py=0 )implies u = 0 which is not valid.

Using condition (3) i.e., u(l,y) = 0,

u ( l , y ) =0=( A 1 e p . l+ B1 e− p .l ) ( C 1 cos py + D1 sin py )

⸫ A1 e p .l +B 1 e− p . l=0

Solving A1 + B1=0 and A1 e p .l +B 1 e− p . l=0, we get A1 = B1 = 0 (unless e-pl=epl

which requires p = 0 or l = 0 and these are not true). Thus A 1 = 0 and B1 = 0.

⸫ u = 0 and this is not valid.

Consider (S.2):u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D2 )

Using condition (2) i.e., u(0,y) = 0, we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A2 .0+B 2 )( C2 y+ D2 )

⇨ B2 (C ¿ ¿ 2 y + D2)=0 ⇨ B2=0 ¿
Since C2y+D2=0⇨u=0 which is not valid.

Thus u=A 2 x ( C2 y + D2 )

Using condition (3) i.e., u(l,y) = 0,

u ( l , y ) =0=( A 2 . l+B 2 )( C 2 y+ D 2) ⇨ A2 l ( C 2 y+ D 2) =0 ⇨ A2 =0

and this implies u = 0 which is invalid.

Consider (S.3):u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D 3 e− py )

Using condition (2) i.e., u(0,y) = 0, we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A3 cos p .0+B 3 sin p .0 ) ( C 3 e py + D3 e−py )

A3 ( C 3 e py + D 3 e−py ) =0 ⇨ A 3=0 ⸪ C3 e py + D3 e− py ≠ 0

Hence u ( x , y )=B3 sin px ( C 3 e py + D3 e−py ).

Using condition (3) i.e., u(l,y) = 0,

u ( l , y ) =0=( A 3 cos p . l+B 3 sin p . l ) ( C3 e + D3 e )

py − py

B3 sin p . l ( C3 e py + D3 e− py ) =0 ⸪ A3 =0

nπ
sin pl=0 ⇨ pl=nπ ⇨ p= ,(n=1,2,3.....)
l

Thus a typical solution is given by

u ( x , y )=( C e ) sin nπxl , n = 1,2,3,......

nπy −nπy
l l
n + Dn e

Thus the most general solution of equation (1) satisfying conditions (2) and
(3) is

( )sin nπxl ................ (6)

∞ nπy −nπy
u ( x , y )=∑ C n e l
+ Dn e l

n=1

Let us implement the conditions (4) and (5). This leads to the determination
of { C n } , { Dn } .
Using condition (4) i.e., u(x,0) = 0, 0≤x≤l, we get

( ) sin nπxl
∞ nπ .0 −nπ .0
u ( x , 0 ) =0=∑ C n e l
+ Dn e l

n=1

∞
nπx
Hence ∑ ( Cn + Dn ) sin =0
n =1 l

⇨C n+ D n=0

Using condition (5) i.e., u(x,l) = x(l-x), 0≤x≤l, we get

( ) sin nπxl
∞ nπ .l −nπ .l
u ( x , l )=x ( l−x )=∑ C n e l
+ Dn e l

n=1

nπx
(C n e nπ + Dn e−nπ ) sin l
=x ( l−x ) , 0≤x≤l

To find, C n e nπ + D n e−nπ , expanding x(l-x) as a half – range sine series, we have

l
2
nπ
Cne + D ne
−nπ
= ∫ x ( l−x ) sin nπx
l 0 l
dx

[ ]
l
nπx nπx nπx
−cos −sin cos
nπ −nπ 2 l l l
C n e + D n e = x ( l−x ) −( l−2 x ) + (−2 ) 3 3
l nπ 2 2
n π n π
l l 2
l3 0

C n e nπ + D n e−nπ =
2
l[−l ( l−l )
l
nπ
cos
nπ .l
l
l2
+ ( l−2l ) 2 2 sin
n π
nπ .l
l
l3
−2 3 3 cos
n π
nπ . l 2
l ] [
− − 0 ( l−0 )
l
l
nπ
cos
nπ .0
l
+ ( l−2

C n e nπ + D n e−nπ =
2
l[ l2
n π
l3
n π
2 l2 l3
0+ (−l ) 2 2 sin nπ −2 3 3 cos nπ − 0+l. 2 2 sin 0−2 3 3 cos 0
l n π n π ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
3 3
nπ −nπ 2 l n 2 l
Cne + D ne = 0−2 3 3 (−1 ) − 0−2 3 3
l n π l n π

[ ]
3 3
nπ −nπ 2 l n l
Cne + D ne = −2 3 3 (−1 ) +2 3 3
l n π n π

2 2l 3 ( )n +1
nπ
Cne + D ne
−nπ
=
l n3 π 3
[ −1 + 1 ]
 2
4 l ( )n+1
nπ
Cne + D ne
−nπ
= 3 3
[ −1 +1 ]
n π

4 l2
nπ −nπ
Thus C n+ Dn=0 and C n e + D n e = 3 3
[ (−1 )n+1 +1 ]
n π

If n = 2n (i.e., n is even), then C 2n + D2 n =0 and C 2n e 2 nπ + D2 n e−2nπ =0

and these yield C 2n =D2 n=0

nπ −nπ 8l 2
Let n is odd. Then we get C n+ Dn=0 and C n e + D n e = 3 3
n π

Using Dn=−Cn ,we have

[ ]
2 2
)= 83 l 3 or C n .2 sinh nπ= 83 l 3 e ax−e−ax
C n ( e −e
nπ −nπ
⸪ sinh ax=
n π n π 2
2
4l
⸫ C n= 3 3 where n is odd
n π sinh nπ
2
−4 l
Thus D n= 3 3 where n is odd.
n π sinh nπ

Hence using these values of Cn and Dn in equation (6), we get

[ ] sin nπxl
∞ 2 nπy −nπy
4l
u ( x , y )= ∑ 3 3
n π sinh nπ
e l
−e l

n=1,3,5 ….

u ( x , y )=
8l
2 ∞

∑
sinh ( nπyl ) sin nπxl
2 3
π n=1,3,5… . n sinh nπ

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
3. Solve 2
+ 2 =0 with u(0,y) = 0 = u(x,0), u(l,y) = 0 and u(x,a) =
∂x ∂ y
u ( x , a )=sin
nπx
l
. ( )
Solution: The steady – state temperature distribution u(x,y) is governed by

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
+ =0 .............. (1)
∂ x2 ∂ y2
Subject to u(0,y) =0, 0≤y≤l................. (2)

u(l,y) = 0 0≤y≤l................ (3)

u(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤l .............. (4)

u(x,a) = sin ( nπxl ) , 0≤x≤l .............. (5)

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e +B 1 e ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

px − px

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e + D 3 e ) ............ (S.3)

py − py

Let the solution of the given Laplace’s equation be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e + D e
py − py
) ............... (6)

Now applying the boundary conditions u(0,y) = 0, we have

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

A ( C e py + D e−py )=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

Hence equation (6) reduces to u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e py + D e−py )

Now applying the boundary condition u(l,y) = 0, we get

u ( l , y ) =0=( A cos p . l+B sin p . l ) ( C e + D e )

py −py

B sin p . l ( C e + D e ) =0
py − py

nπ
sin pl=0 ⇨ pl=nπ ⇨ p= ,(n=1,2,3.....)
l

Now equation (6) can be written as

( )
nπy −nπy
nπx l l
u ( x , y )=B sin Ce +D e
l

( ) ................... (7)
nπy −nπy
nπx l l
u ( x , y )=sin Cn e + Dn e
l

Where Cn = BC and Dn = BD

Put y = 0 in equation (7). Then

( )
nπ .0 −nπ .0
nπx l l
u ( x , 0 ) =0=sin Cn e + Dn e
l

nπx
sin
l
( C n+ D n )=0 ⇨C n+ Dn=0 ⇨ Dn =−Cn

Hence equation (7) reduces to

( )
nπy −nπy
nπx l l
u ( x , y )=C n sin e −e
l

nπx nπy
u ( x , y )=2 C n sin sinh ............... (8)
l l

Now applying the condition u(x,a) = sin ( nπxl ) ,we get

u ( x , a )=2 Cn sin
nπx
l
sinh
nπa
l
=sin
nπx
l ( )
1
nπa C =
⇨2 Cn sinh =1 or n nπa
l 2sinh
l
 [ ]
nπy
sinh
( nπx )
Hence equation (8) reduces to u ( x , y )=sin l
sinh
l
nπa
l

Which is the required solution.

4. An infinitely long plane uniform plate is bounded by two parallel edges

and an end at right angles to them. The breadth is 𝞹. This end is
maintained at a temperature u0 at all points and the other edges are at
zero temperature. Determine the temperature at any point of the plate
in the steady – state.

Solution: Let u(x,y) be the temperature at any point P(x,y) of the given plate.
Then the steady – state temperature distribution is governed by the Laplace’s
equation
2 2
∂ u ∂ u
2
+ 2 =0 .................. (1)
∂x ∂ y

With boundary conditions

(i) u(0,y) =0, for all y

(ii) u(𝞹,y) = 0, for all y
(iii) u(x,0) = u0, for 0<x<𝞹
(iv) u(x,∞) = 0, for 0<x<𝞹
Let the solution of equation (1) be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e + D e ) ................ (2)

py − py

Now applying the given conditions, we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

A (C e + D e )=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

py −py

Now equation (2) reduces to

u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e py + D e−py ) ............ (3)

Now u ( π , y ) =0=B sin p . π ( C e py + D e− py )

⇨sin p . π =0, which shows that p is an integer.

Let p = n. Then equation (3) can be written as

u ( x , y )=B sin nx ( C e + D e )
ny −ny

u ( x , y )=sin nx ( C n e + Dn e ) ............ (4)

ny −ny

Where Cn=BC and Dn = BD

The solution (4) can be satisfied by the boundary condition u(x,∞) = 0, only
when Cn=0.
Hence equation (4) reduces to u ( x , y )=sin nx D n e−ny , n=1,2,3 … …

Now the most general solution is given by

∞
u ( x , y )=∑ Dn sin nx e−ny ................ (5)
n=1

Applying boundary condition u(x,0) = u0

∞
u ( x , 0 ) =u0=∑ D n sin nx e−n .0
n=1

∞
u ( x , 0 ) =∑ Dn sin nx=u0 ................. (6)
n=1

Since equation (6) is a half-range sine series

π

( )
π
2
⸫ D n= ∫ u sin nx dx ⇨ Dn = 2π u 0 −cos
π 0 0 n
nx
0

−2 u0 −2 u0
D n=
nπ
[ cos nπ−cos 0 ] ⇨ Dn=
nπ
[ (−1 ) −1 ]
n

{
0 , if n is even
D
Hence n = 4 u0
, if n is odd
nπ

Now equation (5) reduces to

∞
4 u0
u ( x , y )=∑ sin nx e−ny , n=1,3,5.........
n=1 nπ

u ( x , y )=
4 u0
π [ 1 1
sin x e− y + sin 3 x e−3 y + sin 5 y e−5 y +… … … …
3 5 ]
Which is the required solution.

5. A rectangular plate is bounded by the lines x = 0, y = 0, x = a and y = b

and edge temperatures are u (0,y) = 0 = u(x,b) = u(a,y) and
u ( x , 0 ) =5 sin ( 5aπx )+3 sin ( 3aπx ) . Find u(x,y), the steady-state temperature.
 Solution: The steady – state temperature distribution u(x,y)at any point
p(x,y) is given by

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
+ =0 .............. (1)
∂ x2 ∂ y2

Given boundary conditions are

u(0,y) = 0 ................... (2)

u(x,b) = 0 ....................(3)

u(a,y) = 0 ................. (4)

5 πx
( ) 3 πx
( )
and ( x ,0 )=5 sin a +3 sin a .................. (5)

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e px +B 1 e− px ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e + D 3 e ) ............ (S.3)

py − py

Let the solution of the given Laplace’s equation be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e py + D e− py ) ............... (6)

Using the condition (2) i.e., u(0,y)=0, we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

A (C e + D e
py −py
)=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

Now equation (6) reduces to

u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e + D e )
py −py

Using condition (4) i.e., u(a,y) = 0, we get

u ( a , y )=0=B sin p . a ( C e + D e )
py −py
 nπ
⇨sin pa=0 ⇨ pa=nπ ⇨ p= a , n=1,2,3,........

Thus a typical solution is given by

[ ]
nπy −nπy
nπx a a
u ( x , y )=B sin Ce +D e
a

[ ] sin nπxa , n= 1,2,3......

nπy −nπy
a a
u ( x , y )= C n e + Dn e

Where Cn=BC and Dn = BD

Thus the most general solution of equation (1) satisfying conditions (2) and
(4) is

[ ] sin nπxa
∞ nπy −nπy
u ( x , y )=∑ C n e a
+ Dn e a

n=1

Let us implement the condition (3) i.e., u(x,b) = 0

[ ]sin nπxa
nπb −nπb
a a
u ( x , b )=0= Cn e + Dn e

nπb −nπb 2 nπb

⇨C n e a + D n e a
=0 ⇨ D n=−C n e a

[ ] sin nπxa
∞ nπy 2 nπb −nπy

Hence u ( x , y )=∑ Cn e a −C n e a
.e a

n=1

[ ]
∞ nπy 2nπb −nπy
nπx
u ( x , y )=∑ Cn sin e a
−e a
.e a

n=1 a

[e ] .................. (7)
∞ −nπy 2 nπy 2 nπb
nπx
u ( x , y )=∑ Cn sin .e a a
−e a

n=1 a

Now using condition (5) in equation (7), we get

[e ]
∞ −nπ .0 2 nπ .0 2 nπ . b
u ( x , 0 ) =5 sin ( )
5 πx
a
+3 sin
3 πx
a n=1
( )
=∑ C n sin
nπx
a
.e a a
−e a

[ ]
∞ 2 nπ . b
5 sin ( )
5 πx
a
+3 sin
3 πx
a n =1
( )
=∑ C n sin
nπx
a
1−e a
 [ ]+C sin 2 aπx [ 1−e ]+ C sin 3 aπx [ 1−e ]+ C sin 4 aπx [ 1−e ]
2 π. b 4 π.b 6 π .b 8 π .b
5 sin ( )
5 πx
a
+3 sin
3 πx
a
=C 1 sin( )
πx
a
1−e a
2
a
3
a
4
a

+...........

Comparing the coefficients of like terms,

C [ 1−e ]=3⇨ C =
6 π .b
a 3
3 3 6 π. b .................. (8)
a
1−e

[ ]=5 ⇨C =
10 π .b
a 5
and C 5 1−e 5 10 π . b .................. (9)
a
1−e

Also C 1=C2 =C4 =C 6=C 7=… … … .=0 ................ (10)

Substituting (8),(9) and (10) in equation (7), we get

[e ]+ [e ]
−3 πy 6 πy 6 πb −5 πy 10 πy 10 πb
3 3 πx a a a 5 5 πx a a a
u ( x , y )= sin e −e sin e −e
6 π. b
a
a 10 π .b
a
a
1−e 1−e

u ( x , y )=
3 sin ( 3 aπx ) .e −3 πb
a
.e
−3 πy
a
[e 6 πy
a
−e
6 πb
a
]+
5 sin ( 5 aπx ) . e −5 πb
a
.e
−5 πy
a
[e 10 πy
a
−e
10 πb
a
]
−3 πb 3 πb −5 πb 5 πb
a a a a
e −e e −e

u ( x , y )=
3 sin ( 3aπx ) [e −3 πb
a
.e
3 πy
a
−e
3 πb
a
.e
−3 πy
a
]+
5 sin ( 5aπx ) [ e −5 πb
a
.e
5 πy
a
−e
5 πb
a
.e
−5 πy
a
]
3 πb 5 πb
−2 sinh −2sinh
a a

3 sin ( 3aπx ) 5 sin ( 5aπx )

u ( x , y )=
−2 sinh
3 πb [−2 sinh
3π
a
( b− y ) + ] −2 sinh
5 πb [ −2 sinh
3π
a
( b− y ) ]
a a

u ( x , y )=3 sin ( 3 aπx ) sinh 3aπ ( b− y ) .csch 3 aπb + 5sin ( 5 aπx ) sinh 5aπ ( b− y ) .csch 5 aπb
Which is the required solution.
 6. Solve for steady – state temperature at any point of a rectangular plate
of sides ‘a’ and ‘b’ insulated on the lateral surface and satisfying
u(0,y)=0=u(a,y)=u(x,b) and u(x,0)=x(a-x).
Solution: Let u(x,y) be the temperature at any point p(x,y) in the
rectangular plate.
Then the steady – state temperature distribution is given by

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
+ =0 .............. (1)
∂ x2 ∂ y2

Given boundary conditions are

(i) u(0,y) = 0, for all y

(ii) u(x,b) = 0, for all y
(iii) u(a,y) = 0, for 0<x<a
(iv) u(x,0) = x (a-x)

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e px +B 1 e− px ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D 3 e− py ) ............ (S.3)

Let the solution of the given Laplace’s equation be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e py + D e− py ) ............... (2)

Now applying the condition (i), we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

A ( C e py + D e−py )=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

Now equation (2) reduces to

u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e + D e
py −py
) ................. (3)
Now applying the condition (ii), we get

u ( a , y )=0=( A cos p . a+ B sin p . a ) ( C e + D e )

py −py

B sin p . a ( C e + D e )=0
py −py

nπ
⇨sin pa=0 ⇨ pa=nπ ⇨ p= a , n=1,2,3,........

Thus a typical solution is given by

[ ]
nπy −nπy
nπx a a
u ( x , y )=B sin Ce +D e
a

[ ] sin nπxa , n= 1,2,3......

nπy −nπy
u ( x , y )= C n e a
+ Dn e a
.................. (4)

Where Cn=BC and Dn = BD

Now applying the condition (iii), we get

[ ]
nπb −nπb
nπx a a
u ( x , b )=0=sin Cn e + Dn e
a
nπb −nπb −nπb nπb
a a a a
Cne + Dn e =0 ⇨ D n e =−C n e

2nπb
a
D n=−Cn e

Now equation (4) reduces to

[ ]
nπy 2 nπb −nπy
nπx a a a
u ( x , y )=sin Cn e −C n e e
a

[ ]
nπy 2 nπb −nπy
nπx a a a
⇨ u ( x , y ) =Cn sin e −e e
a

The most general solution is of the form

[ ] ............... (5)
∞ nπy 2nπb −nπy
nπx
u ( x , y )=∑ Cn sin e a
−e a
e a

n=1 a

Now applying the condition (iv), we get

 ( ) ................... (6)
∞ 2 nπb
nπx
x ( a−x )=∑ C n sin 1−e a

n=1 a

To find Cn expand x(a-x) as half – range sine series in (0,a)

∞
nπx
x ( a−x )=∑ bn sin ................... (7)
n=1 a

From equations (6) and (7), we have

( ) ................ (8)
2 nπb
a
b n=C n 1−e
a
2 nπx
Now b n= ∫ x ( a−x ) sin dx
a0 a
a
b n=
2
∫ ( ax−x 2) sin nπx dx
a0 a

[ ( ) ( ( ) ) ( ( ) )]
a
nπx nπx nπx
−cos −sin cos
2 a a a
b n= ( ax−x )
2
−( a−2 x ) + (−2 )
a nπ nπ 2
nπ 3
a a a 0

b n=
2
a[−( a . a−a2 )
a
nπ
cos
nπ . a
a
a2
+ ( a−2 a ) 2 2 sin
n π
nπa
a
a3
−2 3 3 cos
n π
nπa 2
a a
a
− −( a .0−02 ) cos
nπ ] [
nπ .0
a
a
+ ( a−2.0 ) 2
n π

[ ] [ ]
2 3 2 3
2 a a 2 a a
b n= 0−a 2 2 sin nπ−2 3 3 cos nπ − 0+ a 2 2 sin 0−2 3 3 cos 0
a n π n π a n π n π

[ ] [ ]
3 3
2 a 2 a
b n= −2 3 3 cos nπ − −2 3 3
a n π a n π

−2.2 a3 −4 a 2
b n= [ cos nπ−1 ] ⇨ 3 3 [ cos nπ−1 ]
a n3 π 3 n π
2 2
4a 4a
⇨b n= 3 3 [ 1−cos nπ ] ⇨b n= 3 3 [ 1−(−1 ) ]
n

n π n π

{
0 ,if nis even
b = 2
⸫ n 8 a , if n is odd
n3 π 3
From equation (8), we have

( )
2 2 nπb
8a a
3 3
=C n 1−e
n π
2
8a
C n= , n = 1,2,3,............
n π ( 1−e )
2 nπb
3 3 a

Substituting the value of Cn in equation (5), we get

[e ]
∞ 2 −nπy 2 nπy 2 nπb
8a nπx
u ( x , y )= ∑ sin e a a
−e a

( ) a
2 nπb
n=1,3,5 ….
n3 π 3 1−e a

Note: The above result can also be written as

nπx
sin
8a
u ( x , y )= 3
2 ∞

∑ n3
1 a
e
nπy
a [e 2 nπy
a
−e
2 nπb
a ]
[e ]
nπb −nπb nπb
π n=1,3,5… … a a a
e −e

nπx
sin
8a
u ( x , y )= 3 ∑
2
1
∞
a
π n=1,3,5… … n3 −2 sinh nπb
e
nπy nπy
a
−
a
2 nπy
e −e a
a
2nπb
[ ]
a

nπx
sin
8a
u ( x , y )= 3 ∑
2
1
∞
a
π n=1,3,5… … n −2 sinh nπb
3
e
nπy nπb
a
−
a
−e
nπb nπy
a
−
a [ ]
a

nπx
sin
8 a2
u ( x , y )= 3 ∑
∞
1 a
π n=1,3,5… … n −2 sinh nπb
3
e
nπ
a
( y−b)
−e
−nπ
a
( y−b)
[ ]
a

nπx
sin
[ ]
2 ∞
8a 1 a nπ
u ( x , y )= 3 ∑
π n=1,3,5… … n −2 sinh nπb
3
2sinh
a
( y−b)
a

7. The temperature u(x,y) is maintained at 00C along three edges of a

square plate of length 100 cm, and the fourth edge is maintained at a
 constant temperature u0 until steady – state conditions prevail. Find
u(x,y) at any point (x,y) of the plate. Calculate the temperature at the
center of the plate.

Solution: Let the side of the plate be l (100 cm).

The temperature u(x,y) at any point p(x,y) in the square plate satisfies
the Laplace equation

∂2 u ∂ 2 u
2
+ 2 =0 .............. (1)
∂x ∂ y

The boundary conditions are

(i) u(0,y) = 0, for 0≤y≤l

(ii) u(l,y) = 0, for 0≤y≤l
(iii) u(x,0) = 0, for 0≤x≤l
(iv) u(x,l) = u0 for 0≤x≤l

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions of

equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e +B 1 e ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

px − px

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e py + D 3 e− py ) ............ (S.3)

Let the solution of the given Laplace’s equation be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e py + D e− py ) ............... (2)

Now applying the condition (i), we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

⇨ A ( C e py + D e−py )=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

Now equation (2) reduces to

u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e + D e
py −py
) ................. (3)

Now applying the condition (ii), we get

u ( l , y ) =0=( A cos p . l+B sin p . l ) ( C e + D e )

py −py

B sin p . l ( C e + D e ) =0
py − py

nπ
⇨sin pl=0 ⇨ pl=nπ ⇨ p= l , n=1,2,3,........

Thus a typical solution is given by

[ ] ................... (4)
nπy −nπy
nπx l l
u ( x , y )=B sin Ce +D e
l

From condition (iii), we have u(x,0)=0

From equation (4), we have

[ ]
nπ .0 −nπ .0
nπx l l
u ( x , 0 ) =0=B sin Ce +D e
l

nπx
B sin [ C+ D ] =0
l

⇨ C + D =0⇨ D = - C ................. (5)

From equation (4) and (5), we get

 [ ] [ ]
nπy −nπy nπy −nπy
nπx l l nπx l l
u ( x , y )=B sin Ce −C e ⇨u ( x , y ) =BC sin e −e
l l

nπx nπy
u ( x , y )=C n sin sinh , where Cn = 2BC
l l

Thus the most general solution of equation (1) satisfying conditions (i),(ii)
and (iii) is
∞
nπx nπy
u ( x , y )=∑ Cn sin sinh ..................... (6)
n=1 l l

Now applying the condition (iv)in equation (6), we get

∞
nπx nπ .l
u ( x , l )=u 0=∑ C n sin sinh
n=1 l l
∞
nπx
u0 =∑ Cn sin sinh nπ ............... (7)
n=1 l

To find Cn, we expand u0 in a half – range Fourier sine series in (0,l).

∞
nπx
u0 =∑ bn sin .................. (8)
n=1 l

From equations (7) and (8), we have

∞ ∞
nπx nπx
∑ C n sin l
sinh nπ =∑ b n sin
l
n =1 n=1

Equating like coefficients,

bn
C n sinh nπ =b n ⇨ C n= ................... (9)
sinh nπ
l
2
Where b n= ∫ u sin nπx
l 0 0 l
dx

[ ]
l
nπx
−cos
b n=
2u0
l nπ
l
l
⇨b n =
2u0 −l
l nπ [
cos
nπ . l −l
l
−
nπ
cos
nπ .0
l ( )]
0
 2u0 l 2u
b n= [ −cos nπ +cos 0 ] ⇨b n= 0 [ 1−(−1 )n ]
l nπ nπ

{
0 ,if n iseven
b
⸫ n = 4 u0
, if n is odd
nπ

Thus equation (9), we have

4 u0
C n= (n=1,3,5......)
nπ sinh nπ

Substituting this value of Cn in equation (6), we have

∞
4 u0 nπx nπy
u ( x , y )= ∑ nπ sinh nπ
sin
l
sinh
l
..................... (10)
n=1,3,5 ….

Now putting l = 100 in equation (10), we get the required solution as

∞
4 u0 nπx nπy
u ( x , y )= ∑ nπ sinh nπ
sin
100
sinh
100
................... (11)
n=1,3,5 ….

Which gives the temperature u(x,y) at any point of the square plate.

The temperature at the centre of the plate is got by putting x = 50 and y = 50

in equation (11).
∞
4 u0 nπ .50 nπ .50
⸫u ( 50,50 )= ∑ nπ sinh nπ
sin
100
sinh
100
n=1,3,5 ….

∞
4 u0 nπ nπ
u ( 50,50 )= ∑ nπ sinh nπ
sin
2
sinh
2
n=1,3,5 ….

8. A square plate has its faces and the edge y = 0 insulated. Its edges x = 0
and x = 𝞹 are kept at zero temperature and its fourth edge y = 𝞹 is kept
at temperature f(x). Find the steady – state temperature at any point of
the plate.

Solution: The temperature u(x,y) at any point of the plate is given by

 2 2
∂ u ∂ u
2
+ 2 =0 .............. (1)
∂x ∂ y

The boundary conditions are

(i) u(0,y) = 0, for 0≤y≤𝞹

(ii) u(𝞹,y) = 0, for 0≤y≤𝞹
(iii) u(x,0) = 0, for 0≤x≤𝞹
(iv) u(x,𝞹) = f(x), for 0≤x≤𝞹

Using the method of separation of variables, we get the following solutions

of equation (1):

u ( x , y )=( A 1 e +B 1 e ) ( C1 cos py+ D1 sin py ) ............ (S.1)

px − px

u ( x , y )=( A 2 x + B2 ) ( C2 y + D 2 ) ................ (S.2)

u ( x , y )=( A 3 cos px + B3 sin px ) ( C 3 e + D 3 e ) ............ (S.3)

py − py

Let the solution of the given Laplace’s equation be

u ( x , y )= ( A cos px + B sin px ) ( C e + D e
py − py
) ............... (2)

Now applying the condition (i), we get

u ( 0 , y )=0=( A cos p .0+B sin p .0 ) ( C e + D e )

py − py

⇨ A ( C e py + D e−py )=0⇨ A=0 ⸪C e py + D e−py ≠ 0

Now equation (2) reduces to

u ( x , y )=B sin px ( C e py + D e−py ) ................. (3)

Now applying the condition (ii), we get

u ( π , y ) =0=( A cos p . π +B sin p . π ) ( C e + D e )

py −py

B sin p . π ( C e + D e ) =0
py − py

nπ
⇨sin pπ=0 ⇨ pπ =nπ ⇨ p= π ⇨ p=n , n=1,2,3,........

Hence equation (3) becomes

u ( x , y )=B sin nx ( C e ny + D e−ny ) ................... (4)

Now applying the condition (iii), we obtain

u ( x , 0 ) =0=B sin nx ( C e n .0 + D e−n .0 ) ⇨ B sin nx ( C+ D )=0

⇨C +D = 0⇨ D = -C

⸫ Equation (4) becomes

u ( x , y )=B sin nx ( C e ny −C e−ny ) ⇨ u ( x , y )=BCsin nx ( e ny −e−ny )

Putting BC = Cn, we get

u ( x , y )=C n sin nx ( e −e )
ny −ny

The general solution is obtained by adding all such solutions so that

∞
u ( x , y )=∑ Cn sin nx ( eny −e−ny ) ..................... (5)
n=1

Using condition (iv) in equation (5), we obtain

∞
u ( x , π )=f ( x ) =∑ Cn sin nx ( e nπ−e−nπ ) ................. (6)
n=1

To find Cn, expand f(x) as a half – range sine series in (0,)

∞

Let ( x )=∑ b n sin nx .................. (7)

n=1

From equations (6) and (7), we have

∞ ∞

∑ bn sin nx=∑ C n sin nx ( e nπ−e−nπ )

n =1 n=1

Comparing like coefficients,

b n=C n ( enπ −e−nπ ) .................. (8)

π
2
Where b n= ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx
π 0
 π
2
⸫C n= nπ −nπ ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx
π ( e −e ) 0

Substituting this value of Cn in equation (5), we get

[ ]
∞ π
2 1
u ( x , y )= ∑ ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx sin nx ( e ny −e−ny )
π n=1 e −e−nπ 0
nπ