Correct Application of Divergence Theorem?

In summary, the conversation involves using the divergence theorem to solve a problem involving a plane and integrating a polynomial. The conversation also includes a discussion about the correct bounds for the integral, with the final answer being (1/24)*a*(a+4)*b*c.
  • #1
TranscendArcu
285
0

Homework Statement


http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5713/skjermbilde20111204kl11.png

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it seemed appropriate to use divergence theorem here: I have,
[tex]div F = 0 + 1 + x = 1+x[/tex]
I let that 0≤z≤c. If,

[tex]x/a + y/b = 1[/tex]then y=b(1-x/a)
[tex]x/a +z/c = 1 [/tex]then x=a(1-z/c)

I have,

[tex]\int_0^a \int_0^{c(1-x/a)} \int_0^{b(1-x/a)} (1+x) dydzdx[/tex]
[tex]\int_0^a \int_0^{c(1-x/a)} (x+1) b(1-x/a) dzdx[/tex]
[tex]\int_0^a (x+1) b(1-x/a) c(1-x/a) dx[/tex]

But here I get stuck because I can't integrate this. Do I have the wrong bounds or am I missing something?
 
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  • #2
You can integrate this just fine, once you distribute everything. Your integral at the end is:

[tex]bc \int_0^a \left(1+x\right) \left(1 - \frac{x}{a}\right)^2 dx[/tex]

That's going to factor out to a cubic, which is easily integrable.
 
  • #3
TranscendArcu said:

Homework Statement


http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5713/skjermbilde20111204kl11.png

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it seemed appropriate to use divergence theorem here: I have,
[tex]div F = 0 + 1 + x = 1+x[/tex]
I let that 0≤z≤c. If,

[tex]x/a + y/b = 1[/tex]then y=b(1-x/a)
[tex]x/a +z/c = 1 [/tex]then x=a(1-z/c)

I have,

[tex]\int_0^a \int_0^{c(1-x/a)} \int_0^{b(1-x/a)} (1+x) dydzdx[/tex]
Your upper limit on the dy integral is wrong. y should go from y = 0 to the y on the plane. Solve the equation of the plane for y. It should have both x and z in it.
[tex]\int_0^a \int_0^{c(1-x/a)} (x+1) b(1-x/a) dzdx[/tex]
[tex]\int_0^a (x+1) b(1-x/a) c(1-x/a) dx[/tex]

But here I get stuck because I can't integrate this. Do I have the wrong bounds or am I missing something?

It is wrong because of the above comment, but of course you should be able to integrate something like that. It is just a polynomial. All you have to do is multiply it out first.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
So does y=b(1- z/c - x/a)?
 
  • #5
That sounds more likely to be correct, yes.
 
  • #6
Okay. Let's see if I can do this. As above, I'll integrate in the order dydzdx.

[tex]\int_0^{b(1-z/c-x/a)}(1+x) dy = (x+1) b(-x/a-z/c+1)[/tex]
[tex]= (1+x)*b \int_0^{c(1-x/a)} (-x/a-z/c+1) dz [/tex]
[tex]= (1+x)*b*[(1/2)*c*(x^2/a^2-1)+c*(1-x/a)][/tex]
[tex]\int_0^{a} (1+x)*b*[(1/2)*c*(x^2/a^2-1)+c*(1-x/a)] dx= (1/24)*a*(a+4)*b*c[/tex]

Hmm. I still feel like I missed something. Does it look about right?
 
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1. What is the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem is a mathematical theorem that relates the surface integral of a vector field over a closed surface to the volume integral of the divergence of that vector field within the enclosed volume.

2. What is the purpose of the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem allows us to convert a difficult surface integral into a simpler volume integral, making it easier to solve for certain applications in physics and engineering.

3. How is the Divergence Theorem applied in practice?

The Divergence Theorem is most commonly used in fluid mechanics and electromagnetism, where it allows us to calculate the total flow of a fluid or the net electric flux passing through a closed surface.

4. Are there any limitations to the Divergence Theorem?

Yes, the Divergence Theorem only applies to closed surfaces and vector fields that have continuous first-order partial derivatives in the region of interest.

5. How does the Divergence Theorem relate to other theorems in vector calculus?

The Divergence Theorem is closely related to other theorems in vector calculus, such as Green's Theorem and Stokes' Theorem. In fact, the Divergence Theorem can be seen as a special case of Stokes' Theorem when the surface is a closed boundary of a three-dimensional region.

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