High School Calculating the dot Product of \nabla and Vector Identity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the vector identity involving the divergence operator, specifically the expression ##\nabla \cdot [(\vec{v} \cdot \nabla) \vec{v}]##. The user derives that this expression equals ##\frac{1}{2} \nabla^2 (\vec{v} \cdot \vec{v}) - \nabla \cdot (\vec{v} \times \nabla \times \vec{v})##, and suggests that the second term may be zero. The derivation utilizes Cartesian coordinates and the product rule for gradients, specifically ##\nabla (\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b})##. The user corrects an earlier mistake, affirming the validity of the final expression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus and divergence operator
  • Familiarity with Cartesian coordinates in vector analysis
  • Knowledge of scalar and vector fields
  • Proficiency in applying vector identities and product rules
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the vector identity ##\nabla \cdot [(\vec{v} \cdot \nabla) \vec{v}]## in detail
  • Learn about the implications of the Laplacian operator ##\nabla^2## in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the conditions under which the term ##\nabla \cdot (\vec{v} \times \nabla \times \vec{v})## equals zero
  • Investigate other vector identities and their applications in physics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with fluid dynamics or vector calculus who need to understand the implications of vector identities and divergence operations.

Apashanka
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From the vector identity ##\nabla •fA=f(\nabla • A)+A•\nabla f## where f is a scalar and A is a vector.
Now if f is an operator acting on A how does this formula change??
Like ##\nabla •[(v•\nabla)v]## where v is a vector
 
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The most sure way of getting the answer would be to write out all of the terms in Cartesian coordinates... I will try to work on it a little and see what I get...## \\ ## Edit: With about 10 minutes of work on the above, I believe I get ## \nabla \cdot [(\vec{v} \cdot \nabla) \vec{v}]=\frac{1}{2} \nabla^2 (\vec{v}\cdot \vec{v}) ##. ## \\ ## I'll be happy to show more detail, but basically, I just worked with Cartesian coordinates.
 
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A check on my above work shows## \nabla \cdot [(\vec{v} \cdot \nabla) \vec{v}]=\frac{1}{2}\nabla^2 (\vec{v} \cdot \vec{v})-\nabla \cdot (\vec{v} \times \nabla \times \vec{v}) ##. ## \\ ## I think the second expression on the right side is zero, but I haven't proven it yet. If the expression in post 2 is not correct, then post 3 contains your answer. I do think post 2 is correct. ## \\ ## Edit: I made an error in post 2. I believe post 3 is correct. ## \\ ## To see how I got the result of this post, begin with ## \nabla (\vec{v} \cdot \vec{v}) ## and use ## \nabla (\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b})=(\vec{a} \cdot \nabla ) \vec{b}+(\vec{b} \cdot \nabla )\vec{a}+\vec{a} \times \nabla \times \vec{b}+\vec{b} \times \nabla \times \vec{a} ##. ## \\ ## Next take ## \nabla \cdot ## on the expression, to give ## \nabla^2 (\vec{v} \cdot \vec{v}) ##.
 
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