Numerical solution of a generalized elliptic partial differential eigenvalue problem (Q1964170)

On an unbounded domain the authors consider an elliptic eigenvalue problem governing stability of some fluid flow, namely \[ P_{yy}+ P_{xx}-{2\over u-c} u_yP_y- {2\over u-c} u_z P_z- \alpha^2P= 0 \] together with boundary conditions. The function \(u(y,z)\) and the wave number \(\alpha\) are given, while the pressure perturbation \(P\) and the (complex) phase speed \(c\) are unknown. The problem is discretized by finite differences and a pseudo-spectral scheme. At a single interior point the discretized equation is replaced by the normalization condition \(P= 1\). For given \(c\), the resulting inhomogeneous system can be inverted efficiently. Iteration upon \(c\) is carried out until the discretized equation is satisfied at the normalization point, too. Numerical results are presented.