Integral over a region in spacetime

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    Integral Spacetime
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a specific integral over a region in spacetime, particularly focusing on the mathematical formulation and the implications of using polar coordinates. Participants explore the geometric interpretation of the integral and its domain.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral to be evaluated, questioning its solvability.
  • Another participant suggests using polar coordinates but seeks clarification on the meaning of a summation sign in the context.
  • A third participant elaborates on the integral's transformation into polar coordinates and expresses uncertainty about continuing the evaluation in the context of spacetime.
  • A fourth participant introduces Stokes' theorem as a potential consideration, although they admit their unfamiliarity with the topic.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to define the domain of integration, specifically the spacelike 2 surface represented by the summation sign.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to define the domain of integration and the use of polar coordinates, but there remains uncertainty about the evaluation process and the geometric interpretation of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions about the domain of integration and the specific geometric properties of the spacelike 2 surface.

Sandra Conor
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Hello, can anyone show me if this integral can be evaluated?

##\frac{1}{a_0^2}\int_\Sigma\frac{dy'dz'}{\bigg(y'^2+z'^2+\tfrac{1}{(2a_0)^2}\bigg)^2}##
 
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I am thinking polar coordinates - but what does the summation sign stand for?
 
I have been thinking of polar form too. The summation sign represent a spacelike 2 surface in spacetime.

Initially, I want to evaluate this integral in spacetime.
$$\int_{\Sigma} \frac{dydz}{[a_{o}(y^{2}+z^{2})+2f_{o}y+2g_{o}z+c_{o}]^{2}}$$ where $$a_{o}c_{o}-f_{o}^{2}-g_{0}^{2}=\frac{1}{4}.$$

My way is to define
$$y':=y+\frac{f_0}{a_0},\,z':=z+\frac{g_0}{a_0}$$
Then the quadratic becomes $$a_0(y'^2+z'^2)+c_0-\frac{f_0^2+g_0^2}{a_0}=a_0\bigg(y'^2+z'^2+\tfrac{1}{(2a_0)^2}\bigg).$$

So now, I will need to evaluate$$\frac{1}{a_0^2}\int_\Sigma\frac{dy'dz'}{\bigg(y'^2+z'^2+\tfrac{1}{(2a_0)^2}\bigg)^2}\cdot$$ But this seems complicated. So I am thinking of using polar coordinate and if I do so, it becomes:
$$\frac{1}{a_0^2}\int_\Sigma\frac{dy'dz'}{\bigg(y'^2+z'^2+\tfrac{1}{(2a_0)^2}\bigg)^2} = \frac{1}{a_0^2}\int_\Sigma\frac{rd\phi dr}{\bigg(r^2+\tfrac{1}{(2a_0)^2}\bigg)^2}$$

Since this is in reference to spacetime, I am stuck as to how I should continue. If it is about a disk with radius R then I know what to do but for a spacelike 2 surface, I am still wandering.
 
Hm. This is far outside my area (complex function algebras), but I can throw in some random thoughts and hope it will inspire you.
  • I don't know why, but Stokes' theorem keeps swirling around in my head (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stokes'_theorem)
  • I have a tendency to think complex variables - have you considered that
  • If I haven't done a blunder, I think [itex]\frac{d}{dr}\frac{1}{r^{2}+C}=\frac{-2r}{(r^{2}+C)^{2}}[/itex]
 
It looks like your main problem is defining the domain of integration in purely geometric terms. You need to explicitly define ##\Sigma##.
 
Thanks Svein for the ideas. I will check these out.

Yes, mathman. The summation sign represent a spacelike 2 surface in spacetime. Its mentioned in the third post. Sorry about that.
 

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