The Laplace Par tial Differential Equation 327
Exercises
In the following exercises, we are asked to develop the graphics showing temperature
isotherms and electrostatic equipotential lines. These graphics can be obtained from Maple by
clicking on the figure, choosing the special option “Render the plot using the polygon patch
and contour style” in the graphics bar, and then clicking the “redraw” button.
Exercises in Rectangular Coordinates
5.1. We seek the steady-state temperature distribution in a thin plate over the rectangular
domain D ={(x,y) |0 <x<1, 0 <y<1} whose lateral surface is insulated. The sides
x = 0 and y = 0 are at the fixed temperature of zero, the side x = 1 is insulated, and the
side y = 1 has a given temperature distribution. The boundary conditions are
u(0,y)= 0 and u
x
(1,y)= 0
u(x, 0) = 0 and u(x, 1) = x
1 −
x
2
Develop the graphics for the three-dimensional temperature surface showing the
isotherms.
5.2. We seek the steady-state temperature distribution in a thin plate over the rectangular
domain D ={(x,y) |0 <x<1, 0 <y<1} whose lateral surface is insulated. The sides
y = 0 and y = 1 are at a fixed temperature of zero, the side x = 1 is insulated, and the
side x = 0 has a given temperature distribution. The boundary conditions are
u(0,y)= y(1 −y) and u
x
(1,y)= 0
u(x, 0) = 0 and u(x, 1) = 0
Develop the graphics for the three-dimensional temperature surface showing the
isotherms.
5.3. We seek the electrostatic potential in a charge-free rectangular domain
D ={(x,y) |0 <x<1, 0 <y<1}. The sides x = 0,x= 1, and y = 1 are held at a fixed
potential of zero, and the side y = 0 has a given potential distribution. The boundary
conditions are
u(0,y)= 0 and u(1,y)= 0
u(x, 0) = x(1 −x) and u(x, 1) = 0
Develop the graphics for the three-dimensional equipotential surfaces showing the
equipotential lines.
5.4. We seek the steady-state temperature distribution in a thin plate over the rectangular
domain D ={(x,y) |0 <x<1, 0 <y<1} whose lateral surface is insulated. The sides