Integral of function over ellipse

In summary, the conversation is about finding the double integral of a surface over an ellipse using Green's Theorem and a change of coordinates. The conversation includes suggestions and a successful substitution.
  • #1
nickthequick
53
0
Hi,

I'm trying to find
[tex] \iint_S \sqrt{1-\left(\frac{x}{a}\right)^2 -\left(\frac{y}{b}\right)^2} dS [/tex]

where S is the surface of an ellipse with boundary given by [itex]\left(\frac{x}{a}\right)^2+\left(\frac{y}{b}\right)^2 = 1 [/itex].

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick
 
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  • #2
Do you mean the interior of an ellipse?

Anyway, the first thing I though of is Green's Theorem for some reason. Probably since then we can make the substitution ##\left(\dfrac xa\right)^2+\left(\dfrac yb\right)^2=1##.

The second thing I thought of was a change of coordinates and a multiplication by the Jacobian determinant, then we have it reduced to

$$a\cdot b\cdot\iint_C\sqrt{1-m^2-n^2}\mathrm{d}S'$$

where C is the unit circle wrt m and n and S' should have a fairly obvious definition.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Try the substitution$$
\frac x a = r\cos\theta,\,\frac y b = r\sin\theta$$
 
  • #4
Got it!

Thanks
 

What is the definition of the integral of a function over an ellipse?

The integral of a function over an ellipse is a calculation that represents the area under the curve of the function when it is plotted on the surface of an ellipse. It is denoted by ∫f(x,y) dA, where f(x,y) is the function and dA represents the infinitesimal area of the ellipse.

How is the integral of a function over an ellipse calculated?

The integral of a function over an ellipse can be calculated using double or triple integration. Double integration involves integrating the function with respect to x and then with respect to y. Triple integration involves integrating the function with respect to x, y, and z.

What are the applications of the integral of a function over an ellipse?

The integral of a function over an ellipse has various applications in physics, engineering, and statistics. It is used to calculate the total mass, center of mass, moment of inertia, and gravitational potential of an ellipse. It is also used in probability and statistics to find the probability of an event occurring within an elliptical region.

Can the integral of a function over an ellipse be evaluated analytically?

In most cases, the integral of a function over an ellipse cannot be evaluated analytically. It requires advanced techniques such as trigonometric substitutions, partial fractions, or series expansions to find a closed-form solution. However, it can be evaluated numerically using numerical methods such as Simpson's rule or Monte Carlo integration.

Are there any special cases for the integral of a function over an ellipse?

Yes, when the function is symmetric about one or both of the axes of the ellipse, the integral can be simplified using symmetry properties. Additionally, if the ellipse is a circle, the integral can be reduced to a single variable integration. In some cases, the integral can also be simplified by converting to polar coordinates.

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