Parabolic cylindrical coordinates

In summary, parabolic cylindrical coordinates are beneficial when computing a triple integral over a solid with symmetry around an axis, such as a cylinder. However, when using cartesian coordinates for the same integral, it may not work as well.
  • #1
iNCREDiBLE
128
0
Can someone, please, show me an example of when you are better of with parabolic cylindrical coordinates than with cartesian coordinates when computing a triple integral over a solid?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Things with symmetry around an axis, like a cylinder. Try this one with cartesian coordinates, then try it with cylindrical coordinates.

[tex] \int_{-2}^{2} \int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}} \int_{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}^{2} \,\,\,(x^2+y^2)\,\,dz\,dy\,dx [/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
FrogPad said:
Things with symmetry around an axis, like a cylinder. Try this one with cartesian coordinates, then try it with cylindrical coordinates.

[tex] \int_{-2}^{2} \int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}} \int_{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}^{2} \,\,\,(x^2+y^2)\,\,dz\,dy\,dx [/tex]

That works great in (circular) cylindrical coordinates, but not in parabolic cylindrical coordinates.
 
  • #4
:blushing: hehe... sorry man.
I must have read it too quickly. Honestly, I've never worked in parabolic cylindrical coordinates.

have a good one :smile:
 

1. What are parabolic cylindrical coordinates?

Parabolic cylindrical coordinates are a coordinate system used in mathematics and physics to describe points in a three-dimensional space. They consist of two parameters, ρ and θ, which represent the distance from the origin and the angle of rotation, respectively. This coordinate system is often used in problems involving cylindrical symmetry.

2. How do parabolic cylindrical coordinates differ from other coordinate systems?

Unlike other coordinate systems, such as Cartesian or spherical coordinates, parabolic cylindrical coordinates have a parabolic instead of a circular cross-section. This allows for a more convenient representation of problems with cylindrical symmetry, such as heat conduction in a cylindrical object.

3. What are the advantages of using parabolic cylindrical coordinates?

One of the main advantages of parabolic cylindrical coordinates is their ability to simplify mathematical equations in problems with cylindrical symmetry. They can also help in visualizing and understanding the behavior of functions in three-dimensional space.

4. How are parabolic cylindrical coordinates related to other coordinate systems?

Parabolic cylindrical coordinates can be transformed into other coordinate systems, such as Cartesian or spherical coordinates, using mathematical equations. This allows for easier integration and solving of problems involving multiple coordinate systems.

5. What are some applications of parabolic cylindrical coordinates?

Parabolic cylindrical coordinates have numerous applications in physics and engineering, such as in solving problems related to heat conduction, fluid mechanics, and electromagnetic fields. They are also used in computer graphics and image processing for their ability to represent curved surfaces.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
897
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
657
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
1
Views
408
Back
Top