Flux through a paraboloid? The Divergence Theorem and Integration Error

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the flux through a paraboloid using the divergence theorem. The paraboloid is defined as open along the positive z-axis, with specific dimensions and a velocity field given by a vector function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the divergence of the velocity field and set up the integral for flux calculation. Some participants question the handling of the open end of the paraboloid and the implications for the flux calculation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the open surface on the flux calculation. There is recognition of potential errors in the integration process, particularly regarding the sign of the result.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of considering the flux through the open end of the paraboloid, which may affect the final result. There is also a mention of the original poster's confusion regarding the negative result from an integral that should yield a positive value.

Raen
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The Problem: I have a paraboloid open along the positive z-axis, starting at the origin and ending at z = 100. At z=100, the horizontal surface is a circle with a radius of 20. Water is flowing through the paraboloid with the velocity F = 2xzi - (1100 + xe^-x^2)j + z(1100 - z)k. I'm asked to find the flux through the paraboloid using the divergence theorem.


Equations: divF = dF1/dx + dF2/dy + dF3/dz
Flux = \int divF dV



My attempt: I started by finding the divergence.

2z + 0 + (1100 - 2z) = 1100

Next, I found the equation for the paraboloid.

z = r^2/x
100 = 20^2/x
100 = 400/4
z = r^2/4

Then I iterated the integral.

Flux = \int^{2\pi}_{0} \int^{20}_{0} \int^{100}_{r^2/4} 1100r dz dr d\theta

When I solve the integral, I end up with -11000000pi, but the answer is supposed to be 10000pi. Where am I going wrong?

If I have it correct thus far and my problem is in my integration, please let me know and I'll type out the integration step by step, as well. Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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Hi Raen! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
Raen said:
The Problem: I have a paraboloid open along the positive z-axis, …

(i haven't checked your figures, but …)

The paraboloid is open, so you'll need to subtract the flux through the open end. :wink:
 
The flux through the top is positive, so subtracting the flux through the open circle from what I already had gives me an even larger negative number, -51000000pi.
 
oooh, I didn't notice that minus sign! :redface:

but how did you manage to get a negative result from integrating something that's everywhere positive? :confused:
 

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