Curl and Divergence (flux, and what not)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the vector calculus equation \(\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{G} = \vec{F}\) with the condition \(\vec{\nabla} \cdot \vec{F} = 0\) where \(\vec{F} = \). The user seeks assistance in finding \(\vec{G}\), noting that the problem relates to incompressible vector fields, commonly encountered in fluid dynamics. Key insights include the application of vector identities to expand the left-hand side of the equation and the understanding that the solution is not unique, allowing for flexibility in setting components equal to each other.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically curl and divergence.
  • Familiarity with vector identities and their applications.
  • Knowledge of incompressible fluid dynamics concepts.
  • Proficiency in manipulating vector fields and differential equations.
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  • Study vector calculus identities, particularly those related to curl and divergence.
  • Explore the properties of incompressible vector fields in fluid dynamics.
  • Learn about the uniqueness of solutions in vector calculus problems.
  • Practice solving similar vector equations using different vector fields.
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I'm having a bit of difficulty with this problem:
<br /> \vec{\nabla} \times \vec{G} = \vec{F}<br />
where
\vec{\nabla} \cdot \vec{F} = 0
and \vec{F} = &lt;y, z, x&gt;.
Find \vec{G}. I'm really at a loss how to solve this. I know the solution must be quick and easy because it was on a quiz. What I do know is this is called "incompressable" if, say it were a vector field of a fluid. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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You have:

\vec{\nabla}.(\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{G}) = 0

Can you expand the left hand side using a suitable vector identity?
 
http://astron.berkeley.edu/~jrg/ay202/node189.html ?

14.54 gives me the form, such that A = G, but does this mean B = F if I expanded to 14.51?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just a follow up incase someone else needed the same solution. Merely expanding the cross product (<P,Q,R> form as \vec{G}) leaves a vector in differentials that is equal to \vec{F}. From then its just a matter of setting the components equal to each other and knocking off which ever differential you would like. You can do this because the solution is not unique. Thanks for the help.
 

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