Home Wikituition Browse all terms Categories
Random term
Mathematical & Computational Physics

Bessel Functions

A family of canonical special functions J_α(x) and Y_α(x) serving as solutions to Bessel's differential equation.

Governing formula x² y'' + x y' + (x² - α²) y = 0 ⇒ y(x) = A J_α(x) + B Y_α(x)
SI unit Cylindrical Special Functions

In depth

Arise naturally when solving Laplace, Helmholtz, or wave equations in cylindrical or spherical geometry coordinates.

Examples in the real world

Calculating transverse electric (TE) and magnetic (TM) wave modes in cylindrical wave guides and circular drumhead vibrations.