Bessel functions are a family of solutions to Bessel's differential equation, which commonly arises in problems with cylindrical symmetry, such as heat conduction, vibrations, and wave propagation. These functions are named after the mathematician Friedrich Bessel and can be expressed as Bessel functions of the first kind and Bessel functions of the second kind , where is the order of the function. The first kind is finite at the origin for non-negative integers, while the second kind diverges at the origin.
Bessel functions possess unique properties, including orthogonality and recurrence relations, making them valuable in various fields such as physics and engineering. They are often represented graphically, showcasing oscillatory behavior that resembles sine and cosine functions but with a decaying amplitude. The general form of the Bessel function of the first kind is given by the series expansion:
where is the gamma function.
Start your personalized study experience with acemate today. Sign up for free and find summaries and mock exams for your university.