How to write a Vector Field in Cylindrical Co-ordinates?

In summary, the given vector field can be written in cylindrical coordinates as Vector V = (Aφ)* unit vector φ, where Aφ = f(ρ) with Aρ = 0 and Az = 0, and the cylindrical unit vectors work by being perpendicular to ρ and z unit vectors and entirely along the φ unit vector.
  • #1
greswd
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Ethetahat.jpg

Let's say we have a vector field that looks similar to this. Assume that the above image is of the x-y plane.

The vector arrows circulate a central axis, you can think of them as tangents to circles.

The field does not depend on the height z.

The lengths of the arrows is a function of their radial distance from the center/axis, f(r).How do we write this vector field in terms of Cylindrical coordinates?
##A_\rho \hat{\boldsymbol \rho} + A_\varphi \hat{\boldsymbol \varphi} + A_z \hat{\mathbf z}##

How does one find ##A_\rho , A_\varphi## and ##A_z ## ?
 
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  • #2
Vector V = (Aφ)* unit vector φ, where Aφ = f(ρ) with Aρ = 0 and Aρ = 0 and Az = 0
 
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  • #3
Let'sthink said:
Vector V = (Aφ)* unit vector φ, where Aφ = f(ρ) with Aρ = 0 and Aρ = 0 and Az = 0
thanks!

But what do you mean by "with Aρ = 0"?

Also, can you describe how the cylindrical unit vectors work? You can post a link if you like.
 
  • #4
Aρ = 0 and Az = 0 means the component of the vector field along ρ unit vector and along z unit vector both are zero.In other words vector field every where is perpendicular to ρ unit vector and z unit vector and is entirely along unit vector φ.
 
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  • #5
Let'sthink said:
Aρ = 0 and Az = 0 means the component of the vector field along ρ unit vector and along z unit vector both are zero.In other words vector field every where is perpendicular to ρ unit vector and z unit vector a ρ unit vector and is entirely along unit vector φ.
thanks, that was a great simple explanation.
 

1. How do I define a vector field in cylindrical coordinates?

In order to define a vector field in cylindrical coordinates, you will need to specify the magnitude and direction of the vector at each point in the cylindrical coordinate system. This can be done using the cylindrical coordinate unit vectors (ρ, φ, z) and the components of the vector in each direction.

2. What is the formula for converting Cartesian coordinates to cylindrical coordinates?

The formula for converting Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) to cylindrical coordinates (ρ, φ, z) is ρ = √(x^2 + y^2), φ = atan2(y, x), and z = z. This means that the magnitude of the vector is the square root of the sum of the squares of the x and y components, the direction is determined by the arctangent of the y and x components, and the z component remains the same.

3. How do I write a vector field in cylindrical coordinates using equations?

To write a vector field in cylindrical coordinates using equations, you will need to use the unit vectors (ρ, φ, z) and multiply them by the components of the vector in each direction. For example, a vector field F in cylindrical coordinates would be written as F(ρ, φ, z) = Fρ(ρ, φ, z)ρ + Fφ(ρ, φ, z)φ + Fz(ρ, φ, z)z.

4. Can I visualize a vector field in cylindrical coordinates?

Yes, you can visualize a vector field in cylindrical coordinates using a 3D graphing software or by plotting the vectors on a cylindrical grid. This can help you better understand the direction and magnitude of the vector at different points in the cylindrical coordinate system.

5. How do I calculate the divergence and curl of a vector field in cylindrical coordinates?

In order to calculate the divergence and curl of a vector field in cylindrical coordinates, you will need to use the appropriate formulas for each. The divergence can be calculated using the formula div(F) = (1/ρ)(∂(ρFρ)/∂ρ + ∂Fφ/∂φ + ∂Fz/∂z), while the curl can be calculated using the formula curl(F) = (1/ρ)(∂Fz/∂φ - ∂Fφ/∂z)ρ + (∂(ρFρ)/∂z - ∂Fz/∂ρ)φ + (1/ρ)(∂(ρFφ)/∂ρ - ∂Fρ/∂φ)z.

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