A semi-analytical approach for the computation of ellipsoidal harmonics (Q6073129)

The authors consider the problem of computation of ellipsoidal harmonics. Four classes of Lamé functions of the first kind, \(K_n(x)\), \(L_n(x)\), \(M_n(x)\), \(N_n(x)\), are studied. Section 2 presents the basic elements of the ellipsoidal coordinate system, listing the main geometric features, the Laplace operator, the general form of the Lamé functions, as well as the expressions for ellipsoidal harmonics and normalization constants. The main results are contained in Section 3. Here expressions for each Lamé function of a certain degree and order are given. The subsection ``Proposed algorithm'' provides the calculation of the Lamé function \(E^m_n(x)\). The steps for calculating the coefficients of the polynomial part are explained in detail, and an example is given to demonstrate the presented technique for \(E^6_3(x)\). In addition, indicative graphs of some Lame functions up to the eighth degree and selected graphs of surface ellipsoidal harmonics are presented. In Section 4, expressions for the first derivatives of the Lamé functions \(dE^m_n/dx\) and calculations of surface integrals are given. In addition, the use of signs of the Lamé functions is discussed, and expressions for the second-order Lamé functions as well as for their normalization constants are given.