Graduate Gradient Divergence of Nabla Operator Defined

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The Nabla operator is defined using generalized coordinates and Lame coefficients, leading to a specific formulation for divergence. The discussion highlights a common mistake in applying the divergence operator, particularly regarding the treatment of unit vectors, which vary with position in non-Cartesian coordinates. The correct approach involves recognizing that derivatives do not operate on the unit vectors or Lame coefficients. The conversation also seeks clarification on calculating the expression for divergence involving these coefficients and derivatives. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate mathematical representation in various coordinate systems.
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Nabla operator is defined by

\nabla = \sum^3_{i=1} \frac{1}{h_i}\frac{\partial}{\partial q_i}\vec{e}_{q_i}
where ##q_i## are generalized coordinates (spherical polar, cylindrical...) and ##h_i## are Lame coefficients. Why then
div(\vec{A})=\sum^3_{i=1} \frac{1}{h_i}\frac{\partial}{\partial q_i}\vec{e}_{q_i} \cdot \sum_j A_j\vec{e}_{q_j}=\sum_i\frac{1}{h_i}\frac{\partial}{\partial q_i}A_i
where I am making the mistake?
here is different definition.
https://www.jfoadi.me.uk/documents/lecture_mathphys2_05.pdf
 
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The unit vectors are generally functions of position; only in cartesian coordinates are they constants. This is why we generally write <br /> \nabla = \sum_i \mathbf{e}_i h_i^{-1} \partial_i to make it clear that the derivative does not operate on \mathbf{e}_i or h_i. However for divergence we get <br /> \sum_i \mathbf{e}_i h_i^{-1} \partial_i \cdot \left( \sum_j A_j \mathbf{e}_j \right) =<br /> \sum_i \sum_j \mathbf{e}_i h_i^{-1} \cdot \left( A_j \partial_i\mathbf{e}_j + \mathbf{e}_j \partial_i A_j \right)
 
Thanks a lot. It makes sense of course. What is the easiest way to calculate ##A_j \partial_i \vec{e}_j##? How to write that in order to get real expression of divergence with the Lame coefficients and derivatives.
 

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