Cross product in spherical coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the cross product in spherical coordinates, particularly in the context of solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation related to magnetic moments. Participants seek clarification on substituting values for spherical coordinates in their numerical solutions and the derivation of equations of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about how to substitute values for r and sin(theta) when calculating the cross product of magnetization and magnetic field in spherical coordinates.
  • Another participant suggests that switching to Cartesian coordinates might be an option, although the original poster argues that this would complicate the calculations due to the need for renormalization.
  • A later reply requests the equations in LaTeX format for clarity, indicating a need for more precise communication of the mathematical context.
  • Another participant shares the expressions for the unit vectors in spherical coordinates and suggests using these relations to derive the cross product form independently.
  • One participant expresses a similar challenge with the LLG equation, specifically in deriving the equations of motion in spherical coordinates while keeping the length of the magnetic moment constant.
  • They mention the difficulty in obtaining the general solutions typically found in textbooks and seek mathematical proof for their deductions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to substitute values in spherical coordinates or derive the equations of motion. Multiple competing views and methods are presented, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific equations provided by participants, which may hinder the clarity of the discussion. There is also a dependence on the definitions of spherical coordinates and the assumptions made in the numerical methods being discussed.

TheDestroyer
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Hi guyz, I have a small question,

In spherical coordinates if we define 2 vectors such as magnetization of a shell M(r,phi,theta) and the magnetic field H(r,phi,theta)

As we know the cross product between them is written in the determinant:
(Capital means unit vectors)

det[(R,r sin(theta) PHI,r THETA);(M(r),M(phi),M(theta));(H(r),H(phi),H(theta))]

My question is, what should I substiute in r and sin(theta)?

I'm now solving a system of differential equations numerically related to this and i don't know what to substitute in theta and r

Thank you for reading, Any one got explanaion? Please give examples...
 
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Oh My God ! Is My Question That Difficult??
 
Why don't you show us the equations you're trying to solve; I don't know what you mean by "what should I substitute in for r and sin(theta)"
 
you can always switch to/from cartesian, can't you.
 
I mean when I'm using numerical solution In the first step the initial value is substituted for r,phi and theta, and then in every step the solution for the next point uses the previous result,

When I want to substitute the initial values of M(r,phi,theta) and H(r,phi,theta) what should i put for r and sin(theta)?

I'm studying the effect of a field on an array of magnetic moments using LLG equation, I can't right the equation because thet are N^2 equations

is it clear now? or should i more explain?

and about cartesian, using it is useless, because I'm using normalized (r) for the moments, that's why if i used cartesian coordinates i should in every step renormalize the magnitude of the moment, this will give more errors, and more equations to solve, but using spherical will only change the angles without changing (r)

Thanks for reading
 
I am not sure what you asking. Could you please type the equations you are referring to in LATEX.
 
We have:
\vec{i}_{r}=\sin(\phi)(\cos(\theta)\vec{i}+\sin(\theta)\vec{j})+\cos(\theta)\vec{k}
\vec{i}_{\phi}=\cos(\phi)(\cos(\theta)\vec{i}+\sin(\theta)\vec{j})-\sin(\theta)\vec{k}
\vec{i}_{\theta}=-\sin(\theta)\vec{i}+\cos(\theta)\vec{j}
\vec{i}\times\vec{j}=\vec{k},\vec{j}\times\vec{k}=\vec{i},\vec{k}\times\vec{i}=\vec{j}
Use these relations along with the facts that the cross product is anti-commutative&distributive to derive the cross product form in spherical coordinates on your own. The identity \sin^{2}u+\cos^{2}{u}=1 will also be handy.
 
Same thing?? Eq. of motion??

Hi Guys, I am batteling the same equation. It is the LLG equation. The problem is to get the equations of motion in spherical coordinates assuming the length of m constant. I can't get to the general solutions posted in every textbook and article. Could someone show me how?

The LLG equation reads (m and h vectors, with length of m considered constant):

dm/dt = -gamma*(m cross h) + alpha*(m cross dm/dt)

the equations of motion that should be found:

dtheta/dt = h_comp(phi) - alpha*sin(theta)*dphi/dt

and

sin(theta)*dphi/dt = -h_comp(theta) + alpha*dtheta/dt

where _comp(...) means component of h in ... direction

Hope you guys can help, I tryed substituting spherical coordinates but am unable to find the above forms... If I use common sense physics I can deduce the equations but I need some mathematical proof!

Please help... Thanks,
Reuske
 

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