Eigenvalues of the Laplace-Beltrami operator on a prolate spheroid (Q6048937)

The Laplace-Beltrami operator is a mathematical operator used in differential geometry to study the curvature and geometry of surfaces and manifolds. It measures the Laplacian of a function defined on a surface, providing valuable insights into the intrinsic properties of the surface. The Laplace-Beltrami operator on a prolate spheroid allows for a set of eigenvalues, which can be found by solving a characteristic function of a singular Sturm-Liouville problem. In the paper, using the minimum-maximum principle and the Prüfer angle, the properties of the eigenvalues are determined. These eigenvalues are estimated by solving generalized matrix eigenvalue problems, and their behavior are analysed as the spheroid's eccentricity approaches either 0 or 1.