Divergence of tensor times vector

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Reynolds Transport Theorem to the divergence of a tensor multiplied by a vector, specifically focusing on the expression involving the cross product of position vector and a product of density and velocity. Participants explore the correct interpretation of the divergence operator applied to this tensor-vector product.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Reynolds Transport Theorem and applies it to the expression involving the cross product, seeking clarification on the divergence of the tensor-vector product.
  • Another participant expresses unfamiliarity with the notation used, suggesting that examining the proof in the relevant textbook might provide clarity.
  • A different participant analyzes the tensorial rank, indicating that the product of the tensor and vector must be a pure tensor product without contraction for the divergence to maintain the same tensor rank.
  • One participant references a version of the theorem from Wikipedia, providing an alternative formulation for the divergence operation.
  • A later reply acknowledges the usefulness of the provided formulation.
  • Another participant points out that the tensor in question is effectively a vector and shares vector identities that may assist in the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the divergence operation in this context, and multiple viewpoints regarding the notation and application remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the notation and the specific indices to use when applying the divergence operator to the tensor-vector product, as well as the implications of tensorial rank in this context.

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(My question is simpler than it looks at first glance.)

Here is Reynolds Transport Theorem:

$$\frac{D}{Dt}\int \limits_{V(t)} \mathbf{F}(\vec{x}, t)\ dV = \int \limits_{V(t)} \left[ \frac{\partial \mathbf{F}}{\partial t} + \vec{\nabla} \cdot (\mathbf{F} \vec{u}) \right] \ dV$$

where boldface means tensor and over-arrow means vector. I am trying to apply this to the expression:

$$\frac{D}{Dt} \int \limits_{V(t)} (\vec{x} \times \rho \vec{u}) \ dV$$

where x is the cross product. So

$$\mathbf{F}(\vec{x}, t) = \epsilon_{ijk} x_{j} (\rho u)_{k} = \rho \epsilon_{ijk} x_{j} u_{k}$$

and

$$\mathbf{F} \vec{u} = \rho \epsilon_{ijk} x_{j} u_{k} u_{l}$$

Now my problem occurs why I try to figure out what

$$\vec{\nabla} \cdot (\mathbf{F} \vec{u})$$

is. Should it be

$$\frac{\partial(\rho \epsilon_{ijk} x_{j} u_{k} u_{l})}{\partial x_{i}}$$ or $$\frac{\partial(\rho \epsilon_{ijk} x_{j} u_{k} u_{l})}{\partial x_{l}}$$?

I am confused as to which index to take the derivative with. It's easy when you are taking the divergence of a vector; it's just the same index used in the vector. But when applied to a tensor, there's two indices (or more). So which is it?

Thanks
 
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I don't know the answer, as I'm not familiar with the notation ##\vec\nabla\cdot(\mathbf F \vec u)##. The only thought I have is that if your book proves the theorem, you should be able to figure out what they mean by examining the proof. If it's a good book, the notation should also be explained earlier.
 
A simple analysis of tensorial rank means that \nabla\cdot(\bf{F}\vec{u}) means that the product of F and u must be free, that is a pure tensor product without contraction. That way the divergence of the resulting tensor has the same tensor rank as the time derivative of the tensor itself.
 
From the wikipedia version
it looks like what you want is
\frac{D}{Dt} \int_V f^i dV = \int_V \left[ \frac{\partial f^i}{\partial t} <br /> + \frac{\partial}{\partial x_j}\left( v^j f^i \right)<br /> \right] dV.
 
Ah, that works well. Thanks!
 
In your case the tensor F is really a vector.

A handy vector identity is:

\nabla \cdot \vec A \vec B = \vec B\nabla \cdot \vec A+ \vec A \cdot \nabla \vec B

Another identity that you might find useful is:

\nabla \cdot \left(\vec A \times \vec B \right)= \vec B \cdot \nabla \times \vec A- \vec A \cdot \nabla \times \vec B
 

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