 Eigenvalue equation for heat conduction in two joined slabs

For two length-$L$ slabs with zero exterior temperatures and perfect thermal contact, put ${\alpha }_i=\sqrt{{\rho }_i{c}_i/k_i}$, $u=\omega {\alpha }_{1}L$, and $v=\omega {\alpha }_{2}L$. A separated solution with time factor $e^{-{\omega }^{2}t}$ and $\omega \ne 0$ exists precisely when the displayed interface determinant vanishes. Dividing by $\cos u\cos v$ gives a tangent characteristic equation only away from its poles. Common zeros of both cosines are legitimate normal modes and must be retained. The zero-frequency case gives only the trivial solution of a differential equation with these positive material parameters and exterior boundary conditions.