This chapter deals with more advanced techniques than those discussed in
Chapter 2 to solve electrostatic problems. The techniques presented in the chapter
include the method of images, the multi-pole expansion, analytical methods, and some
numerical methods, which may be invoked as an alternative techniques or when the
analytical solution for a particular problem is not available. The method of images and
multi-pole expansion techniques are applied to analyze the problems involving charges
near a perfectly electric conducting or dielectric interfaces. For the media that are
subject to certain boundary conditions, the electrostatic problem is modeled by
Poisson's or Laplace's equation then solved analytically or numerically. Analytical
solutions for the Laplace's equation in different coordinate systems are presented in
details. The method of moments and finite difference method are presented as examples
of numerical techniques for the solution of Poisson's or Laplace's equation. The
discussions of the topics in the chapter are supported by illustrative examples, figures,
solved problems, and computer programs in addition to homework problems at the end
of the chapter.
