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A generalized eigenproblem for the Laplacian which arises in lightning
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A generalized eigenproblem for the Laplacian which arises in lightning

Beyza Caliskan Aslan, William W. Hager and Shari Moskow
Journal of mathematical analysis and applications, v 341(2), pp 1028-1041
15 May 2008
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmaa.2007.11.007View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Restricted

Abstract

Mathematics Mathematics, Applied Physical Sciences Science & Technology
The following generalized eigenproblem is analyzed: Find u is an element of H-0(1) (Omega), u not equal 0, and lambda is an element of R such that <del u, del v >(D) = lambda <del u, del v >(Omega) for all V is an element of H-0(1) (Omega), where Omega subset of R-n is a bounded domain, D is a subdomain with closure contained in Omega, and <., .>(Omega) is the inner product <del u, del v >(Omega) = integral(Omega) del u.del v dx. It is proved that any f is an element of H-0(1) (Omega) can be expanded in terms of orthogonal eigenfunctions for the generalized eigenproblem. During the analysis, we present a new inner product on H-1/2(partial derivative D) with the following properties: (a) the norm associated with the inner product is equivalent to the usual norm on H-1/2 (partial derivative D), and (b) the double layer potential operator is self adjoint with respect to the new inner product and compact as a mapping from H-1/2(partial derivative D) into itself. The analysis identifies four classes of eigenfunctions for the generalized eigenproblem: 1. The function Pi which is 1 on D and harmonic on Omega \ D; the eigenvalue is 0. 2. Functions in H-0(1) (Omega) with support in Q \ D; the eigenvalue is 0. 3. Functions in H-0(1) (Omega) with support in D; the eigenvalue is 1. 4. Excluding Pi, the harmonic extension of the eigenfunctions of a double layer potential on a D. The eigenvalues are contained in the open interval (0, 1). The only possible accumulation point is lambda = 1/2. A positive lower bound for the smallest positive eigenvalue is obtained. These results can be used to evaluate the change in the electric potential due to a lightning discharge.

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Web of Science research areas
Mathematics
Mathematics, Applied
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