Checking divergence theorem inside a cylinder and under a paraboloid

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the divergence theorem for a vector field defined in a specific region bounded by a cylinder and a paraboloid. The vector field is given as \( v = 9y\hat{i} + 9xy\hat{j} -6z\hat{k} \), and the region of interest is inside the cylinder \( x^2 + y^2 = 4 \) and between the planes \( z = 0 \) and \( z = x^2 + y^2 \). Participants are analyzing the setup for both the volume integral and the surface integral as part of this verification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the volume integral using cylindrical coordinates and question the arrangement of the surface integral. There are inquiries about the area elements and outward normals for the cylinder's surfaces. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the limits of integration and the coordinate system used.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's setups and calculations. There is a recognition of errors in the initial setups, particularly regarding the limits of integration. Some participants are working towards clarifying the correct expressions for the integrals in both cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the region defined by the limits corresponds to a solid cylinder, while the upper boundary is a paraboloid, which leads to confusion in the setup of the integrals. There is an emphasis on using cylindrical coordinates for clarity in the calculations.

JD_PM
Messages
1,125
Reaction score
156
Homework Statement
##v = 9y\hat{i} + 9xy\hat{j} -6z\hat{k}##
Relevant Equations
##\int_{V}\nabla \cdot v dV = \int_{S} v \cdot da##
I am checking the divergence theorem for the vector field:

$$v = 9y\hat{i} + 9xy\hat{j} -6z\hat{k}$$

The region is inside the cylinder ##x^2 + y^2 = 4## and between ##z = 0## and ##z = x^2 + y^2##

This is my set up for the integral of the derivative (##\nabla \cdot v##) over the region (volume); using cylindrical coordinates:

$$\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2} (9rcos\theta - 6)r dr d \theta dz = -96\pi$$

Now the right hand side of the divergence theorem; the value of the function at the boundary(surface; i.e. its flux):

$$\iint_{R} v \cdot n \frac{dxdz}{|n \cdot j|} = 9\int_{0}^{4} \int_{-2}^{2} (x +x\sqrt{4-x^2})dxdz + 9\int_{0}^{4} \int_{-2}^{2} (-x +x\sqrt{4-x^2})dxdz$$

Is this later integral well arranged? ##9\int_{0}^{4} \int_{-2}^{2} (x +x\sqrt{4-x^2})dxdz## is vanishing and I don't get ##-96\pi## in the right hand side.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't understand your surface integral, specifically how you get the integrand ##v \cdot n \frac{dxdz}{|n \cdot j|}##. What area element does this represent? A cylinder has three surface areas, two faces and a side, so there are three outward normals ##\hat n## to consider. Also, I would stick to cylindrical coordinates. That makes the expressions for ##\hat n## and the area elements much easier to write down.

Also, please use vector signs where they belong.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: JD_PM
kuruman said:
A cylinder has three surface areas, two faces and a side, so there are three outward normals ##\hat n## to consider.
Indeed, I have to compute the upper tap and the base fluxes. I will work out the RHS better.
 
But
JD_PM said:
This is my set up for the integral of the derivative (##\nabla \cdot v##) over the region (volume); using cylindrical coordinates:

$$\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2} (9rcos\theta - 6)r dr d \theta dz = -96\pi$$

This is the LHS (the volume integral). Do you agree with the set up?
 
JD_PM said:
ButThis is the LHS (the volume integral). Do you agree with the set up?
No. Those limits describe a solid cylinder. Your top is a paraboloid. You might find it more natural if your inside integral was the ##dz## integral.
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: JD_PM
LCKurtz said:
No. Those limits describe a solid cylinder.

Absolutely, what a mistake sorry. I think this time you'll all agree. In Cartesian coordinates one gets:

$$\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}\int_{0}^{x^2 + y^2} (9x - 6) dz dx dy$$

But it is nicer to work with cylindrical coordinates:

$$\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{r^2} (9rcos \theta - 6)rdz dr d\theta$$
 
JD_PM said:
Absolutely, what a mistake sorry. I think this time you'll all agree. In Cartesian coordinates one gets:

$$\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}\int_{0}^{x^2 + y^2} (9x - 6) dz dx dy$$

But it is nicer to work with cylindrical coordinates:

$$\int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{r^2} (9rcos \theta - 6)rdz dr d\theta$$
Not only nicer, but correct. You have a couple of errors in the rectangular version.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: JD_PM
LCKurtz said:
Not only nicer, but correct. You have a couple of errors in the rectangular version.

True:

$$\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\int_{0}^{x^2 + y^2} (9x - 6) dz dy dx$$
 
$$\int_{-2}^{2}\int_{-\sqrt{4-x^2}}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\int_{0}^{x^2 + y^2} (9x - 6) dz dy dx = -48 \pi$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K