How Do I Solve This Complex Integral for My Research Project?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a complex integral related to a graduate research project. Participants explore various methods for integration, including the use of software tools like MATLAB and Mathematica, and the application of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a complex integral involving square roots and trigonometric functions, expressing difficulty in solving it.
  • Another participant shares the output from Mathematica, which simplifies the integral to a specific expression.
  • A participant questions the accuracy of the Mathematica output, suggesting it simplifies to a more straightforward expression.
  • There is a discussion about the potential for the original expression to simplify using trigonometric identities.
  • A later reply confirms that the integral does simplify as suggested, attributing the resolution to the use of trigonometric identities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the Mathematica output, with some suggesting it simplifies further. Ultimately, there is a consensus that the integral can be simplified using trigonometric identities, but the initial disagreement on the Mathematica result remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the constants in the integral and the reliance on software outputs, which may not be fully verified. The exact steps leading to the simplification are not detailed, leaving some mathematical steps unresolved.

tanderse
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I need to figure this integral out for a graduate research project, however I've been stuck on it for days now:

int[ sqrt((R^2)+2*R*A*cos(T)+(A^2))*cos(atan(-(R+A*cos(T))/(A*sin(T)))-atan(-cot(T))) ]

*integration is with respect to T (all other variables can be assumed constant)

I have been looking around for anything that resembles this but with no luck. I have also tried integration by parts, using the square root as the 'dv' term however I haven't been able to figure out how to integrate the square root term on its own either. I've also tried using MATLAB to solve the integral for me, but MATLAB just stays 'busy' forever and never outputs anything. If anybody could help me out or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Mathematica gave the following reply

[tex] \int \sqrt{R^2+2 R A \text{Cos}[T]+A^2}\text{Cos}\left[\text{ArcTan}\left[-\frac{R+A \text{Cos}[T]}{A\text{Sin}[T]}\right]-\text{ArcTan}[-\text{Cot}[T]]\right]dT\text{//}\text{Simplify}[/tex]
[tex] =\frac{A \sqrt{\frac{\left(A^2+R^2+2 A R \text{Cos}[T]\right) \text{Csc}[T]^2}{A^2}} (A T+R \text{Sin}[T])}{\sqrt{A^2+R^2+2 A R \text{Cos}[T]} \sqrt{\text{Csc}[T]^2}}[/tex]
 
Are you sure you wrote that down correctly? That answer cancels out to:

AT + Rsin(T)
 
tanderse said:
Are you sure you wrote that down correctly? That answer cancels out to:

I just copied and pasted from Mathematica so i assume I did write it down correctly:smile:

Maybe already your original expression cancels out to something quite easy if you use enough trig identities.
 
You were right, it does indeed work out to that once you figure out the trig identities. Wouldn't have figured it out without your help Callahan, I owe you one.
 

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