How to inverse surface integral of a vector field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of inverting a surface integral of a vector field in three-dimensional space. Participants explore methods to compute the vector field \(\overrightarrow{F}\) given the integral \(\iint_{S} \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} dS\) over various surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that knowing the value of the surface integral over any surface in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) is sufficient to compute the vector field \(\overrightarrow{F}\).
  • Another participant suggests using a small circumference centered at a point \(x_0\) to calculate the components of the vector field, indicating that if \(\overrightarrow{F}\) is sufficiently smooth, the limit of the integral over the surface can yield the normal component of \(\overrightarrow{F}\).
  • A later reply confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method and mentions that other small surface shapes, such as squares or triangles, can also be utilized instead of just circumferences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the method of using small surfaces to compute the vector field components, but there is no explicit consensus on the necessity or sufficiency of specific surface shapes or configurations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations related to the smoothness of the vector field or the specific conditions under which the proposed methods are valid.

Sify
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Assume that I know the value of [tex]\iint_{S} \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} dS[/tex] over any surface in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex], where [tex]\overrightarrow{F}(x,y,z)[/tex] is a vector field in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex] and [tex]\hat{n}[/tex] is the normal to the surface at any point considered.
Using that I would like to compute [tex]\overrightarrow{F}[/tex]. How can this be done?

P.S. I think I suffices to know [tex]\iint_{S} \overrightarrow{F} \cdot \hat{n} dS[/tex] over the planes perpendicular to the axes.
 
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Consider a small circumference centered at a point x_0, with radius R and normal directed along a generic direction n (|n|=1):

[tex]S(\mathbf^{x}_0,R,\mathbf{n})=\{\mathbf{x}\in\mathbb{R}^3:(\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{x}_0)\cdot\mathbf{n}=0,|\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{x}_0|<R\}[/tex]

then, if F is sufficiently smooth, you can calculate it's components

[tex]\mathbf{F}(\mathbf{x}_0)\cdot\mathbf{n}=\lim_{R\rightarrow 0}\,\,\frac{1}{\pi R^2}\,\,\int_{S(\mathbf^{x}_0,R,\mathbf{n})} \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S}[/tex]
 
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Great!
This works perfectly. Thank You.
 
Sify said:
Great!
This works perfectly. Thank You.

Glad to help. Note that you are not forced to take small circumferences, but every small surface you like, depending on what's more useful: squares, triangles...
 

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