General orthogonal scale factor identity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the orthogonal scale factor identity in generalized curvilinear coordinates. The participants derive expressions for the scale factors \( h_1 \) and \( h_2 \) using partial derivatives of position vectors with respect to generalized coordinates \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \). The key conclusion is that \( h_1 = \sqrt{\left(\frac{\partial x}{\partial q_1}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\partial y}{\partial q_1}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\partial z}{\partial q_1}\right)^2} \), which aligns with the metric tensor \( g_{ij} \). The discussion also highlights the need for confirmation on the validity of the derivations and hints for further exploration of the third part of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of generalized curvilinear coordinates
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives in multivariable calculus
  • Knowledge of metric tensors and their properties
  • Experience with vector calculus and unit vectors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the metric tensor in generalized curvilinear coordinates
  • Learn about the properties of orthogonal coordinate systems
  • Explore the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus
  • Investigate the implications of scale factors in physics and engineering contexts
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with curvilinear coordinates, particularly those involved in fields such as differential geometry, fluid dynamics, and general relativity.

ognik
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Please be patient as I struggle with latex here ...
Part 1 of the problem says to start with:
$ \frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}} ={h}_{1} \hat{q}_{1} $ and then to find an expression for $ {h}_{1} $ that agrees with $ {g}_{ij}=\sum_{l} \frac{\partial{x}_{l}}{\partial{q}_{i}}\frac{\partial{x}_{l}}{\partial{q}_{j}} $

My attempt is:
$ \hat{q}_{1} = \frac{1}{h}_{1} \frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}}$
but $ \hat{q}_{1}.\hat{q}_{1}=1$
Then $ \left({h}_{1}\right)^{\!{2}} =\left(\frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}$
Now $ \left(\frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)= \left(\frac{\partial{x}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)+\left(\frac{\partial{y}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)+\left(\frac{\partial{z}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right) $
so $ \left(\frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}= \left(\frac{\partial{x}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}+\left(\frac{\partial{y}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}+\left(\frac{\partial{z}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}} $
Now $ {g}_{ii} $ is defined = $ {h}_{i}^{\!{2}}$ and comparing with $ {g}_{ij}=\sum_{l} \frac{\partial{x}_{l}}{\partial{q}_{i}}\frac{\partial{x}_{l}}{\partial{q}_{j}} $ above...
Therefore $ {h}_{1}= \sqrt{ \left(\frac{\partial{x}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}+\left(\frac{\partial{y}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}+\left(\frac{\partial{z}}{\partial{q}_{1}}\right)^{\!{2}}} $ QED - but have I done anything illegal here?
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Part 2 is a derivation:
Again starting with $ \hat{q}_{1} = \frac{1}{h}_{1} \frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}}$
Then $ \frac{\partial\hat{q}_{1}}{\partial{q}_{2}}=\frac{1}{{h}_{1}}\frac{\partial{}^{2}\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}\partial{q}_{2}} = \frac{1}{{h}_{1}}\frac{\partial}{\partial{q}_{1}}\left(\frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{2}}\right)^{\!{}} $ (${h}_{1}$ constant w.r.t. 2)
but $ \frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{2}}={h}_{2} \hat{q}_{2} $
so $ \frac{\partial\hat{q}_{1}}{\partial{q}_{2}}=\frac{1}{{h}_{1}} \frac{\partial\left({h}_{2}\hat{q}_{2}\right)}{\partial{q}_{1}}= \hat{q}_{2}\frac{1}{{h}_{1}}\frac{\partial{h}_{2}}{\partial{q}_{1}}$
Which is QED - but again I have this uncertain feeling so would appreciate confirmation there I have done nothing untoward
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Part 3 has me so far, I would appreciate a hint ...
Derive $ \frac{\partial\hat{q}_{1}}{\partial{q}_{1}}= -\sum_{j\ne{1}}^{} \hat{q}_{2}\frac{1}{{h}_{2}}\frac{\partial{h}_{1}}{\partial{q}_{2}}$
I have tried a few things without success ... probably there is a trick I haven't encountered before?
 
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In addition: I have assumed perhaps incautiously, that people would recognize the subject here - it is around generalised curvilinear coordinates, with the expression for $ {g}_{ij}$ representing the mixed coordinates, but ${h}_{i}$ excludes the mixed coordinates, IE it is for an orthogonal basis. I feel fairly confident of my working for the first 2 parts, but would like confirmation that I haven't done anything that isn't justifiable. For the 3rd part, I have spent ages trying different things - I thought I was onto it when I differentiated the starting eqn w.r.t. BOTH i and j, but still could not get a term in $ \frac{\partial{\bar{q}}_{i}}{\partial{q}_{i}} $. So I'd also really appreciate a tip as to what approach might product that term, thanks.
 

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