How Do I Evaluate the Integral \(\int(z^2+1)^2dz\) Over a Cycloid Path?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int(z^2+1)^2dz\) over a cycloid path defined by the parametric equations \(x=a(\theta-\sin\theta)\) and \(y=a(1-\cos\theta\) for \(\theta\) ranging from \(0\) to \(2\pi\). Participants explore the implications of the contour being closed and the characteristics of the function involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their approach to simplifying the integral and seeks guidance on whether they are on the right track.
  • Another participant questions whether the contour is closed, suggesting that it appears to be closed since it represents one full rotation of the cycloid.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of the contour being closed and whether the function has singular points, with one participant referencing Cauchy's Theorem to suggest that if the contour is closed and the function is analytic, the integral would be zero.
  • Some participants express doubt about the closure of the contour and suggest verifying with a lecturer, indicating a lack of consensus on this point.
  • A later reply hints that the function being integrated has an anti-derivative in \(\mathbb{C}\), implying that this could influence the evaluation of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the contour is closed or the implications of this for the integral. There are competing views regarding the necessity of a closed contour for complex integration and the characteristics of the function involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the closure of the contour and its implications for the integral, highlighting the dependence on the definition of closure in the context of complex integration.

Stumped1
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$$\int(z^2+1)^2dz$$
Evaluate this over the cycloid$$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$ and $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$ for $$\theta =0$$ to $$\theta = 2\pi$$

Am I on the right track, or do I need to approach this a different way?

for $$z^2$$ we have $$(x+iy)^2$$, so $$x^2-y^2 + i2xy$$ for the real part.

$$a^2(\theta-sin\theta)-a^2(1-cos\theta)^2$$
$$a^2[\theta^2-1 -2sin\theta + sin^2\theta -1 + 2cos\theta - \cos^2\theta ]$$

Aside from taking $$-cos^2\theta = sin^2\theta -1$$ and consolidating the $$sin^2\theta$$

Not sure what else I can do to simplify this.

Thanks for any help!
 
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Stumped said:
$$\int(z^2+1)^2dz$$
Evaluate this over the cycloid$$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$ and $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$ for $$\theta =0$$ to $$\theta = 2\pi$$

Am I on the right track, or do I need to approach this a different way?

for $$z^2$$ we have $$(x+iy)^2$$, so $$x^2-y^2 + i2xy$$ for the real part.

$$a^2(\theta-sin\theta)-a^2(1-cos\theta)^2$$
$$a^2[\theta^2-1 -2sin\theta + sin^2\theta -1 + 2cos\theta - \cos^2\theta ]$$

Aside from taking $$-cos^2\theta = sin^2\theta -1$$ and consolidating the $$sin^2\theta$$

Not sure what else I can do to simplify this.

Thanks for any help!

Is your contour even closed?
 
Prove It said:
Is your contour even closed?

Seems that it is since it will be one rotation of the cycloid, since it is parameterized by $$0 \leq\theta \leq 2\pi$$
 
If the contour is closed and your function doesn't have any singular points (which this doesn't) then the integral is equal to 0 by Cauchy's Theorem.

However I am not so sure that this is closed... See here...
 
If this is not closed, continue w/ my approach?
 
Stumped said:
If this is not closed, continue w/ my approach?

My understanding is that all complex integration requires having a closed contour, so if this is what you have been given I would assume that it is closed. I'd advise you to check with your lecturer to be sure.
 
Stumped said:
$$\int(z^2+1)^2dz$$
Evaluate this over the cycloid$$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$ and $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$ for $$\theta =0$$ to $$\theta = 2\pi$$

Am I on the right track, or do I need to approach this a different way?

for $$z^2$$ we have $$(x+iy)^2$$, so $$x^2-y^2 + i2xy$$ for the real part.

$$a^2(\theta-sin\theta)-a^2(1-cos\theta)^2$$
$$a^2[\theta^2-1 -2sin\theta + sin^2\theta -1 + 2cos\theta - \cos^2\theta ]$$

Aside from taking $$-cos^2\theta = sin^2\theta -1$$ and consolidating the $$sin^2\theta$$

Not sure what else I can do to simplify this.

Thanks for any help!

The fact that f(z) is analytic means that its integral along a path depends only from the starting and ending points. Here f(z) is anayltic, so that the integral is...

$\displaystyle \int_{C} f(z)\ d z = \int_{0}^{2\ \pi\ a} (1+x^{2})^{2}\ dx\ (1)$

The details are left to You...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Stumped said:
$$\int(z^2+1)^2dz$$
Evaluate this over the cycloid$$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$ and $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$ for $$\theta =0$$ to $$\theta = 2\pi$$

Am I on the right track, or do I need to approach this a different way?

for $$z^2$$ we have $$(x+iy)^2$$, so $$x^2-y^2 + i2xy$$ for the real part.

$$a^2(\theta-sin\theta)-a^2(1-cos\theta)^2$$
$$a^2[\theta^2-1 -2sin\theta + sin^2\theta -1 + 2cos\theta - \cos^2\theta ]$$

Aside from taking $$-cos^2\theta = sin^2\theta -1$$ and consolidating the $$sin^2\theta$$

Not sure what else I can do to simplify this.

Thanks for any help!

Hint : the function you are integrating has an anti-derivative in $\mathbb{C}$.
 

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