In mathematics, a Green's function is a type of function used to solve inhomogeneous differential equations subject to specific initial conditions or boundary conditions. A fundamental solution for a linear partial differential operator L is a formulation in the language of distribution theory of the older idea of a Green's function.
In C. POZRIKIDIS's Boundary integral and singularity methods for linearized viscous flow,
The Green's functions of Stokes flow represent solutions of the continuity equation $\nabla\cdot {\bf u}=0$ and the singularly forced Stokes equation $-\nabla P+\mu \nabla^2{\bf u}+{\bf g}\delta({\bf x-x_0})=0 $
where ${\bf g}$ is an arbitrary constant, ${\bf x_0}$ is an arbitrary point, and $\delta$ is the three-dimensional delta function. Introducing the Green's function ${\bf G}$, we write the solution of (2.1.1) in the form $u_i({\bf x})=\frac{1}{8\pi\mu}G_{ij}({\bf x,x_0})g_j$
I am confused with the Green's function in this text.
Here are my questions:
- Is $p(x)$ supposed to be the unknown in the following Stokes equations?
$ \begin{align} -\nabla p+\mu \nabla^2 u+\rho b=0\\ \nabla \cdot u =0 \end{align} $
- What does the Green's function mean here? (Is it "with respect to" $u$?) Why is the solution of this kind of form?
What's the Green's function in the most general case?
What is the relation between ${\bf G}$ and $G_{ij}$? As I understand, $G_{ij}$ are the components and ${\bf G}:{\mathbb R}^3\to{\mathbb R}^3$. Then one should write: ${\bf G}({\bf x})=\left[ \begin{array}{cc} G_1({\bf x})\\G_2({\bf x})\\G_3({\bf x})\end{array}\right]$ where $G_i:{\mathbb R}^3\to{\mathbb R}$. What is $G_{ij}$?