[Math] Is it a harmonic function or not

complex-analysisharmonic functions

I am trying to resolve a question whether a certain function is harmonic or not. If yes, I should find its harmonic conjugate.

The function is $u = \frac{x}{x^2+y^2}$.

I found that it is a harmonic function by using Laplace equation, but I am not sure. How can I find its harmonic conjugate, please help anyone.

Best Answer

To the function to be harmonic its Laplacian should be zero $$ \Delta f = f_{xx}(x,y)+f_{yy}(x,y) = 0 $$ Just check it $$ f_{xx} = \left(\frac {x}{x^2+y^2}\right)_{xx} = \left [\frac {-x^2+y^2}{\left( x^2+y^2\right)^2}\right]_x = \frac {2x(x^2-3y^2)}{\left( x^2+y^2\right)^3} \\ f_{yy} = \left(\frac {x}{x^2+y^2}\right)_{yy} = \left [-\frac {2xy}{\left ( x^2+y^2\right)^3} \right ]_y = -\frac {2x(x^2-3y^2)}{\left( x^2+y^2\right)^3} $$ which means $\Delta f = 0$ hence harmonic.

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