Gradient of a Vector Function in Other Co-ordinate Systems

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gradient of a vector function in polar and spherical coordinates. The user is familiar with the gradient in Cartesian coordinates, represented as (\boldsymbol{\nabla}\mathbf{F})_{ij} = \frac{\partial F_i(\boldsymbol{x})}{\partial x_j}, but struggles to extend this concept to polar and spherical systems. The challenge lies in deriving the second-order tensor representation of the gradient in these alternative coordinate systems. The user seeks assistance in understanding how to compute the gradient of a vector field specifically in spherical coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically gradients.
  • Familiarity with Cartesian, polar, and spherical coordinate systems.
  • Knowledge of tensor notation and operations.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical derivations involving coordinate transformations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the gradient operator in polar coordinates.
  • Learn how to express vector functions in spherical coordinates.
  • Explore the mathematical properties of second-order tensors in different coordinate systems.
  • Review examples of gradient calculations in polar and spherical coordinates.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector calculus and need to compute gradients in non-Cartesian coordinate systems.

DylanB
Messages
52
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am trying to figure out how to take the gradient of a vector function in polar and spherical co-ordinates.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I am aware of how the gradient of a vector function in cartesian co-ords looks, simply the second order tensor


[tex] (\boldsymol{\nabla}\mathbf F)_{ij} = \frac{\partial F_i(\boldsymbol x)}{\partial x_j}[/tex]


I am having trouble extending this idea to polar and spherical co-ords. The del operator is easy enough to derive in different co-ordinates but finding the second order tensor I am having difficulties.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Any luck figuring out how to take a gradient of a vector field in spherical coordinates? I am also stumped on this and would appreciate any insight you have. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K