Calculating Flux over the closed surface of a cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the flux over the closed surface of a cylinder using the Divergence theorem. The original poster is attempting to reconcile two different results obtained from evaluating surface integrals and volume integrals, leading to questions about their calculations and assumptions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their approach to the problem, including converting integrals to polar coordinates and applying the Divergence theorem. They express confusion over differing results from two methods. Other participants raise questions about specific terms in the integrals, the inclusion of end caps in the surface area, and the dimensional correctness of certain terms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, providing feedback on potential errors and clarifying the need to account for all parts of the cylinder's surface. There is a constructive exchange of ideas, with some participants suggesting areas for further examination without reaching a consensus on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring that the closed surface includes both the lateral area and the end caps of the cylinder. The original poster acknowledges a gap in their understanding of vector calculus after a period of inactivity, which may affect their calculations.

HRubss
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Homework Statement
Calculate the flux of [tex]\overrightarrow{V} = x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k}[/tex][tex]\int \overrightarrow{V} \cdot \hat{n} da [/tex] where the integral is to be taken over the closed surface of a cylinder [tex]x^2 + y^2 = a^2[/tex] which is bounded by the place z = 0 and z = b
Relevant Equations
[tex]\int \overrightarrow{V} \cdot \hat{n} da [/tex]
[tex]\int\int ( \overrightarrow{V}\cdot\hat{n} )dS = \int \int \int (\nabla \cdot \overrightarrow{V}) dV[/tex]
I wanted to check my answer because I'm getting two different answers with the use of the the Divergence theorem. For the left part of the equation, I converted it so that I can evaluate the integral in polar coordinates. \oint \oint (\overrightarrow{V}\cdot\hat{n}) dS = \oint \oint (\overrightarrow{V} \cdot\hat{n}) d\theta dz
x = acos\thetay = asin\theta \overrightarrow{V} = <acos\theta, asin\theta,z>and \hat{n} =\frac{\partial r}{\partial \theta} \times \frac{\partial r}{\partial z}

After applying the cross product and the dot product, I end up with this integral to evaluate. \int_{0}^{b}\int_{0}^{2\pi}(a^2cos^2\theta + a^2sin^2\theta + z )d\theta dz which gives me (2a^2+b)b\pi

When I do the right side of the equation, taking the divergence of V results in this integral. \int \int \int(3)dV and converting it to polar via dV = rdrdzd\theta results in \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{b}\int_{0}^{a}(3r)drdzd\theta I finally end up with 3\pi a^2b

Is my arithmetic off or am I doing something wrong? Thank you for any responses!
 
Last edited:
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What is ##r## in the definition of ##\hat{n}##? All integrals you calculated are correct, so the mistake did not happen there. I guess the mistake happens when you get to the expression of the first integral. Can't tell because you left out those calculations.

Note that $$\iiint 3dV = 3\iiint dV = 3 \mathrm{volume}(cylinder) = 3 \pi a^2b$$ so there you could have worked a little bit less ;).
 
You are forgetting the end-caps when doing the surface integral.

It is also not clear to me how you ended up with the ##z## in the integrand of the surface integral. The resulting term is quite clearly incorrect based on dimensional analysis.
 
Math_QED said:
What is ##r## in the definition of ##\hat{n}##? All integrals you calculated are correct, so the mistake did not happen there. I guess the mistake happens when you get to the expression of the first integral. Can't tell because you left out those calculations.

Note that $$\iiint 3dV = 3\iiint dV = 3 \mathrm{volume}(cylinder) = 3 \pi a^2b$$ so there you could have worked a little bit less ;).

Wow haha, this would've save me more time

Orodruin said:
You are forgetting the end-caps when doing the surface integral.

It is also not clear to me how you ended up with the ##z## in the integrand of the surface integral. The resulting term is quite clearly incorrect based on dimensional analysis.

My apologies, it should be \overrightarrow{r} = <acos\theta,bcos\theta , z> This is from the parametric description of a cylinder.
End caps? My calculus is a bit rusty, its been about 2 years since I've worked on vector calculus.
 
HRubss said:
This is from the parametric description of a cylinder.
No, that is just the mantle area of the cylinder. The cylinder surface also consists of two discs - the end caps. Without them you do not have a closed surface.

Edit: Also consider my comments about the z term.
 
Orodruin said:
No, that is just the mantle area of the cylinder. The cylinder surface also consists of two discs - the end caps. Without them you do not have a closed surface.

Oh! I see what you mean. Would I have to add two more flux bounded by a circle to the total flux?
 
HRubss said:
Oh! I see what you mean. Would I have to add two more flux bounded by a circle to the total flux?
Discs, not circles. Discs are two-dimensional, circles one-dimensional.

Also, see the comment anout the z-term.
 
Orodruin said:
Discs, not circles. Discs are two-dimensional, circles one-dimensional.

Also, see the comment anout the z-term.

For the mantel, the normal would be \hat{n} = \frac{<x,y,0>}{a} and for the disks, it would be \hat{n} = \frac{<0,0,z>}{b} From those two normal, I can take the dot product of normal with the vector and get the total flux? Sorry if I'm being slow...
 

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