TOPICS
Search

Harmonic Polynomial


A harmonic polynomial is a polynomial P on R^n that is a harmonic function, so it satisfies Laplace's equation

 DeltaP=sum_(i=1)^n(partial^2P)/(partialx_i^2)=0.

Every homogeneous polynomial P_m of polynomial degree m has a unique decomposition

 P_m(x)=sum_(j=0)^(|_m/2_|)|x|^(2j)H_(m-2j)(x),

where each H_(m-2j) is a homogeneous polynomial that is also harmonic. Restricting such polynomials to the unit sphere gives the spherical harmonics.


See also

Harmonic Function, Laplace's Equation, Solid Harmonic, Spherical Harmonic

Explore with Wolfram|Alpha

References

Axler, S.; Bourdon, P.; and Ramey, W. Harmonic Function Theory. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1992.

Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Harmonic Polynomial." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/HarmonicPolynomial.html

Subject classifications