Mathematics necessary for Radiometry, Photometry, Thermodynamics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the essential mathematics required for understanding Radiometry, Photometry, and Thermodynamics, particularly in the context of building science. Key topics include Multivariable Calculus, differential equations, and the necessity of understanding various coordinate systems such as polar, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates. The participants confirm that while Multivariable Calculus is crucial, a solid grasp of partial differential equations (PDEs) is also necessary, especially for advanced thermodynamics and fluid mechanics applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Multivariable Calculus, including line, double, triple, and surface integrals
  • Differential Equations, particularly partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Understanding of coordinate systems: Cartesian, polar, spherical, and cylindrical
  • Basic concepts of Radiometry and Photometry in building science
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced topics in Multivariable Calculus, focusing on flux integrals
  • Learn about partial differential equations (PDEs) and their applications in thermodynamics
  • Explore coordinate transformations between Cartesian and polar/spherical/cylindrical systems
  • Investigate the mathematical foundations of Radiometry and Photometry
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in engineering and architecture, particularly those specializing in building science, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

rdgn
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What are the math concepts I have to learn for Radiometry, Photometry and Thermodynamics (all Calculus-based) as applied in building science (engineering, architecture, etc.).

I'm almost done with Multivariable Calculus and I'm aware that MV Calculus is necessary, but what specific calculus topics? (I'm already done with line integrals, double, triple, surface, haven't done flux yet).
Is a study of differential equations necessary?
Do I need to study some math beyond Calc III?
Would polar/spherical/cylindrical coordinates systems be necessary? (Almost all the math I've done was in cartesian coordinates so I barely remember other coordinate systems).

I've been skimming through some sources to get an idea of what I'll be seeing and there are still some symbols that I'm not sure what they mean, e.g.
\frac{1}{\pi R^2}\int_{S_{v}}^{ }cos\phi dS

Looks like a line integral but I'm not sure If this is in cartesian or polar, etc. coordinates, and I don't know what the fraction means. I also encounter that fraction 1 over something quite a lot so I'm sure there's a concept behind it that I don't know of. Thanks!
 
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rdgn said:
What are the math concepts I have to learn for Radiometry, Photometry and Thermodynamics (all Calculus-based) as applied in building science (engineering, architecture, etc.).

I'm almost done with Multivariable Calculus and I'm aware that MV Calculus is necessary, but what specific calculus topics? (I'm already done with line integrals, double, triple, surface, haven't done flux yet).
Is a study of differential equations necessary?
Do I need to study some math beyond Calc III?
Relative to the building sciences disciplines you mentioned, I would guess that study beyond the calculus topics you listed isn't necessary. However, for thermodynamics at anything beyond an introductory level, differential equations would be used, including partial differential equations (PDE).
rdgn said:
Would polar/spherical/cylindrical coordinates systems be necessary? (Almost all the math I've done was in cartesian coordinates so I barely remember other coordinate systems).

I've been skimming through some sources to get an idea of what I'll be seeing and there are still some symbols that I'm not sure what they mean, e.g.
\frac{1}{\pi R^2}\int_{S_{v}}^{ }cos\phi dS
Without knowing the context, I can't say, other than to guess this is a surface integral, where dS represents an infitesimal area element
rdgn said:
Looks like a line integral but I'm not sure If this is in cartesian or polar, etc. coordinates,
Because of the ##\cos(\phi)## integrand, it appears to me to be in spherical coordinates, but that wouldn't necessarily be the case.
rdgn said:
and I don't know what the fraction means.
It's the reciprocal of the area of a circle of radius R.
rdgn said:
I also encounter that fraction 1 over something quite a lot so I'm sure there's a concept behind it that I don't know of.
 
Thanks!

Just a follow-up. I remember now where I encountered integrals where there was 1/something before the integral. It was when I was reading things about Cauchy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauchy's_integral_formula.

Although I'm quite sure I won't be studying complex analysis, I was wondering if the reciprocal 1/pi*r^2 has anything to do with Cauchy's complex analysis, or any prerequisite calculus topics. (here's the context of the formula btw, which I don't understand because apparently it requires an understanding of flux: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/group/ladybug/forum/topics/discussion-sky-view-factor).

I also forgot to add Fluid Mechanics to my question.
I assume PDEs are as far as I need to learn for Fluid Mechanics?
 
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