Calculating Outward Flux across a Surface using Surface Integral Definition

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the outward flux across a surface using the surface integral definition, specifically for the vector field \(\mathbf{f} = xz \mathbf{i} + y \mathbf{j} + x \mathbf{k}\) over the top half of a ball of radius \(a\). The integral is expressed as \(\int_{S} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS = \int_{cap} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS + \int_{disc} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS\). The calculations involve evaluating the integral using spherical coordinates and integration techniques, including integration by substitution. The discussion concludes that while integration by parts is a common method, substitution can simplify the process.

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jdstokes
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Hi all,

Let [itex]D[/itex] be the top half of a ball of radius [itex]a>0[/itex] and let

[itex]\mathbf{f} = xz \mathbf{i} + y \mathbf{j} + x \mathbf{k}[/itex]

Calculate the outward flux across S using the definition of the surface integral.

[itex]\int_{S} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS = \int_{cap} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS + \int_{disc} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{n} dS[/itex]

[itex]\frac{1}{a}\int_{cap} (xz,y,x) \cdot (x,y,z) d S[/itex]
[itex]\frac{1}{a}\int_{cap} x^2z + y^2 + xz d S[/itex]
[itex]\frac{1}{a}\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{\pi/2} (r^3\cos^2\varphi\sin^2\theta\cos\theta + r^2\sin^2\varphi\sin^2\theta + r^2\cos\varphi\sin\theta\cos\theta) (a^2 \sin\theta) d\theta d\varphi[/itex]
[itex]a\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{\pi/2} (r^3\cos^2\varphi\sin^3\theta\cos\theta + r^2\sin^2\varphi\sin^3\theta + r^2\cos\varphi\sin^2\theta\cos\theta) d\theta d\varphi[/itex]

[itex]a\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{\pi/2} (r^3\cos^2\varphi\sin^3\theta\cos\theta + r^2\cos\varphi\sin^2\theta\cos\theta) d\theta d\varphi[/itex]

I assume that one would then evaluate the integral by parts. But is there an easier method?
 
Last edited:
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I figured it out using integration by substitution.
 

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