Lecture # 14 (Applications)

Instructor:
Complex Variables & Transforms (MATH- 232)

Dr. Naila Amir
3
Analytic Functions
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.
• Chapter: 3
• Section: 3.4
Gradient Fields
▪ In complex analysis two-dimensional vector fields 𝐅 𝑥, 𝑦 =< 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 , 𝑄 𝑥, 𝑦 >,
defined in some domain 𝐷 of the plane, are of interest because 𝐅 can be represented
equivalently as a complex function 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 + 𝑖𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦).
▪ Conservative vector fields, that can be written as the gradient of some scalar function 𝜙
with continuous second partial derivatives, are of particular importance in science. For
such vector fields, 𝐅 𝑥, 𝑦 =< 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 , 𝑄 𝑥, 𝑦 > is the same as:
𝐅 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝛻𝜙 =< 𝜙𝑥 , 𝜙𝑦 >,
i.e., 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝜙𝑥 and 𝑄(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝜙𝑦 . The vector field 𝐅 is called a gradient field and 𝜙
is called a potential function or simply the potential for 𝐅.
▪ Gradient fields occur naturally in the study of electricity and magnetism, fluid flows,
gravitation, and steady-state temperatures.
Complex potential.
▪ If a potential function 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies Laplace’s equation in some domain 𝐷, it is
harmonic, and there exists a harmonic conjugate function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦) defined in 𝐷 so
that the complex function
𝛀 𝑧 = 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 + 𝑖𝜓 𝑥, 𝑦 (1)
is analytic in 𝐷. The function 𝛀(𝑧) in (1) is called the complex potential

corresponding to the real potential 𝜙.
▪ As we have already seen that the level curves of 𝜑 and 𝜓 are orthogonal families.
The level curves of 𝜙: 𝜙 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑐1 , are called equipotential curves—that is,
curves along which the potential is constant.
Complex Potentials.
Following table summarizes some of the applications of the complex potential
function Ω(z) and the names given to the level curves 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑐1 and 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑐2 .
Complex potential function 𝛀(𝑧) = 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) + 𝑖𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦)

Dirichlet Problem
▪ In mathematics, a Dirichlet problem is the problem of formulating and solving
certain partial differential equations (PDE) that arise in studies of the flow of heat,
electricity, and fluids.
▪ Main task is to find a function which solves a specified PDE in the interior of a given
region that takes prescribed values on the boundary of the region.
▪ The Dirichlet problem can be solved for many PDEs, although originally it was posed
for Laplace's equation. In that case the problem can be stated as:
“Given a function 𝑓 that is defined everywhere on the boundary 𝐶 of the

domain 𝐷. Is there a unique continuous function 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) that is twice
continuously differentiable in the interior of 𝐷 and is continuous on the
boundary 𝐶, such that 𝜙 is harmonic in the interior (means 𝛻 2 𝜙 = 0)
and 𝜙 = 𝑓 on the boundary?”
Example: Dirichlet Problem
Solve the Dirichlet problem illustrated in figure. The domain 𝐷 is a vertical infinite
strip defined by −1 < 𝑥 < 1, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞; the boundaries of D are the vertical
lines 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1.
Solution:
The Dirichlet problem in the figure is:
Solve: 𝜙𝑥𝑥 + 𝜙𝑦𝑦 = 0, −1 < 𝑥 < 1, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞. (1)
Subject to: 𝜙 −1, 𝑦 = 𝑘0 , 𝜙(1, 𝑦) = 𝑘1 , −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞, 2
where 𝑘0 and 𝑘1 are constants.
The shape of 𝐷 along with the fact that the two boundary
conditions are constant suggest that the function 𝜙 is
independent of 𝑦; that is, 𝜙𝑦𝑦 = 0 and it is reasonable to try to
seek a solution of (1) of the form 𝜙(𝑥).
Solution:
With this latter assumption, Laplace’s partial differential equation given in (1):
𝜙𝑥𝑥 + 𝜙𝑦𝑦 = 0, −1 < 𝑥 < 1, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞.
𝑑2𝜙
becomes the ordinary differential equation = 0. Integrating twice gives the
𝑑𝑥 2
general solution:
𝜙(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏.
The boundary conditions enable us to solve for the coefficients 𝑎 and 𝑏. In particular,
from 𝜙(−1) = 𝑘0 and 𝜙(1) = 𝑘1 we must have 𝑎(−1) + 𝑏 = 𝑘0 and 𝑎(1) + 𝑏 = 𝑘1 ,
respectively. Adding the two simultaneous equations gives 2𝑏 = 𝑘0 + 𝑘1 , whereas
subtracting the first equation from the second yields 2𝑎 = 𝑘1 − 𝑘0 . These two results
give us 𝑎 and 𝑏. Therefore, we have the following solution of the given Dirichlet
problem:
𝑘1 − 𝑘0 𝑘1 + 𝑘0
𝜙 𝑥 = 𝑥+ (3)
2 2
Solution:
Note that this problem can be interpreted as the determination the electrostatic
potential 𝜙 between two infinitely long parallel conducting plates that are held at
constant potentials. Since it satisfies Laplace’s equation in 𝐷, 𝜙 is a harmonic
function. Hence a harmonic conjugate 𝜓 can be found as follows.
Since, 𝜙 and 𝜓 must satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann equations, we have:
𝑘1 −𝑘0
𝜓𝑦 = 𝜙𝑥 = and 𝜓𝑥 = −𝜙𝑦 = 0.
2
The second equation indicates that 𝜓 is a function of 𝑦 alone, and so integrating the
𝑘1 −𝑘0
first equation with respect to 𝑦 we obtain: 𝜓 𝑦 = 𝑦, where, for convenience,
2
we have taken the constant of integration to be 0. A complex potential function for
the Dirichlet problem under consideration is then given as:
𝑘1 −𝑘0 𝑘1 +𝑘0 𝑘1 −𝑘0
𝛀 𝑧 = 𝜙 𝑥 + 𝑖𝜓 𝑦 = 𝑥 + + 𝑖 𝑦
2 2 2
Solution:
▪ The level curves of 𝜙 or equipotential curves
are the vertical lines 𝑥 = 𝑐1 , shown in color
in the figure.
▪ The level curves of 𝜓 or the lines of force

are the horizontal line segments 𝑦 = 𝑐2
shown in black.
▪ The figure clearly shows that the two

families of level curves are orthogonal.
Alternative method for finding solution of Dirichlet Problem:
Given that 𝜙 takes constant values on the left and right edges, i.e.,
𝜙(−1, 𝑦) = 𝑘0 , 𝜙(1, 𝑦) = 𝑘1 , −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞,
where 𝑘0 and 𝑘1 are constants. Consider 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥, the real part of the analytic function
𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧. This real multivariable function 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 is harmonic and constant along the vertical
line. To accommodate the given boundary conditions for the steady-state temperature in the
slab we take
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏,
which is the real part of 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑧 + 𝑏. Using the given conditions,

we have:
𝑎(−1) + 𝑏 = 𝑘0 and 𝑎 1 + 𝑏 = 𝑘1 .
Alternative method for finding solution of Dirichlet Problem:
Solving these two equation we get:
2𝑏 = 𝑘0 + 𝑘1 , and 2𝑎 = 𝑘1 − 𝑘0 .
Therefore, we have the following solution of the given Dirichlet problem
𝑘1 − 𝑘0 𝑘1 + 𝑘0
𝜙 𝑥 = 𝑥+ ,
2 2
which is the same as equation (3).
Note: We will determine the complex potential function for this

Dirichlet problem using the same procedure as before.
Practice:
a) Find the potential 𝜙 if the domain 𝐷 is a vertical infinite strip defined by 0 < 𝑥 < 1,
−∞ < 𝑦 < ∞, and the potentials on the boundaries are 𝜙 0, 𝑦 = 50, 𝜙 1, 𝑦 = 0.
b) Find the complex potential 𝛀(𝑧).
c) Sketch the equipotential curves and the lines of force.

Solution:
a) Find the potential 𝜙 if the domain 𝐷 is a vertical infinite strip defined by:
0 < 𝑥 < 1, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞, and the potentials on the boundaries are given as:
𝜙 0, 𝑦 = 50, 𝜙 1, 𝑦 = 0.
For the present case the Dirichlet problem is to:

Solve: 𝜙𝑥𝑥 + 𝜙𝑦𝑦 = 0, 0 < 𝑥 < 1, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞. (1)
Subject to: 𝜙 0, 𝑦 = 50, 𝜙 1, 𝑦 = 0, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞, 2
Given that 𝜙 takes constant values on the left and right edges, i.e.,
𝜙 0, 𝑦 = 50, 𝜙 1, 𝑦 = 0, −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞.
Consider 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥, the real part of the analytic function 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧. This real
multivariable function 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 is harmonic and constant along the vertical line.
Solution:
To accommodate the given boundary conditions for the steady-state
temperature in the slab we take
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, (∗)
which is the real part of 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑧 + 𝑏. Using the given conditions, we have:
𝑎(0) + 𝑏 = 50 and 𝑎 1 + 𝑏 = 0.
Solving these two equation we get:

𝑏 = 50, and 𝑎 = −50.
By using values of 𝑎 and 𝑏 in eq. (∗), the solution of the given Dirichlet problem
is given as:
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = −50𝑥 + 50.
Solution:
Since the otential function 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) satisfies Laplace’s equation in the given domain 𝐷,
so it is harmonic, and there exists a harmonic conjugate function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦) defined in 𝐷
so that the complex function
𝛀 𝑧 = 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 + 𝑖𝜓 𝑥, 𝑦 (∗∗)
is analytic in 𝐷 . The function 𝛀(𝑧) in (∗∗) is called the complex potential
corresponding to the real potential 𝜙. In order to determine the harmonic conjugate
𝜓 we use the fact that 𝜙 and 𝜓 must satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann equations and we
have:
𝜓𝑦 = 𝜙𝑥 = −50 and 𝜓𝑥 = −𝜙𝑦 = 0.
The second equation indicates that 𝜓 is a function of 𝑦 alone, and so integrating the
first equation with respect to 𝑦 we obtain: 𝜓 𝑦 = −50𝑦, where, for convenience, we
have taken the constant of integration to be 0.
Solution:
A complex potential function for the Dirichlet problem under consideration is then
given as:
𝛀 𝑧 = 𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 + 𝑖𝜓 𝑥, 𝑦 = −50𝑥 + 50 − 𝑖 50𝑦 .
The level curves of 𝜙 or equipotential curves are given as:

𝑐1
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑐1 ⇒ −50𝑥 + 50 = 𝑐1 ⇒ 𝑥 = 1 − ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑑1 .
50
Thus, the vertical lines 𝑥 = 𝑑1 , are the equipotential curves. Similarly, the level curves
of 𝜓 or the lines of force are the horizontal line segments 𝑦 = 𝑑2 .
Solution:
▪ The level curves of 𝜙 or equipotential curves
are the vertical lines 𝑥 = 𝑑1 , shown in color
in the figure.
▪ The level curves of 𝜓 or the lines of force

are the horizontal line segments 𝑦 = 𝑑2
shown in black.
▪ The figure clearly shows that the two

families of level curves are orthogonal.
Example:
Find the potential 𝜙 that is harmonic in the region of the right half plane between the
curves 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = 2 and 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = 4 and takes the values 3 on the left edge and 7 on
the right edge of the region.
Solution:
We recognize 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 as the real part of analytic function 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧 2 , so
the boundary curves are the level curves of a known harmonic function.
To meet the specified boundary conditions, we add some flexibility by
considering:
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 + 𝑏 = Re 𝑎𝑧 2 + 𝑏 ,
where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants that need to be determined. Note that:
When 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = 2, 𝜙 = 3; 𝑎 2 + 𝑏 = 3.
When 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = 4, 𝜙 = 7; 𝑎 4 + 𝑏 = 7.
Solving the above two equations we get: 𝑎 = 2 , 𝑏 = −1 and we have:
𝜙 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 1.
Practice:
a) Find the potential 𝜙 in the domain 𝐷 between the two infinitely long conducting
plates parallel to the 𝑥 −axis shown in figure, if the potentials on the boundaries are
𝜙 𝑥, −1 = 10 and 𝜙 𝑥, 2 = 20.

Practice Questions
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by Dennis
G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.
Chapter: 3
Exercise: 3.4
Q # 1 – 14.

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Instructor:

Complex Variables & Transforms (MATH- 232)

is analytic in 𝐷. The function 𝛀(𝑧) in (1) is called the complex potential

Complex potential function 𝛀(𝑧) = 𝜙(𝑥, 𝑦) + 𝑖𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦)

“Given a function 𝑓 that is defined everywhere on the boundary 𝐶 of the

▪ The level curves of 𝜓 or the lines of force

▪ The figure clearly shows that the two

which is the real part of 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑧 + 𝑏. Using the given conditions,

which is the same as equation (3).

Note: We will determine the complex potential function for this

b) Find the complex potential 𝛀(𝑧).

c) Sketch the equipotential curves and the lines of force.

For the present case the Dirichlet problem is to:

Solving these two equation we get:

c) Sketch the equipotential curves and the lines of force.

The level curves of 𝜙 or equipotential curves are given as:

▪ The level curves of 𝜓 or the lines of force

▪ The figure clearly shows that the two

b) Find the complex potential 𝛀(𝑧).

c) Sketch the equipotential curves and the lines of force.

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