In this third of a three-part article, we use Maple to separate variables in a partial differential equation, then show how to obtain a solution of the resulting Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problem. The PDE is Laplace's equation in a sphere, and separation of variables leads to an eigenvalue problem involving Legendre's equation. We solve this singular Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problem for the case of the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition, and for the two cases of azimuthal symmetry and asymmetry.
Maple Tips & Techniques
Dr. Robert Lopez
