Prove Laplacian of Dyad: Indicial Notation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the Laplacian of a dyad formed by two arbitrary position vector fields, u and v, using indicial notation in Cartesian coordinates. The established equation is: $$\nabla^2 ({\vec u \vec v}) = \vec v \nabla^2 {\vec u} + \vec u \nabla^2 {\vec v} + 2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T$$. The proof involves applying the Laplacian operator and recognizing the contributions from the gradient of each vector field. The missing term, $$2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T$$, arises from the product rule of differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically the Laplacian operator.
  • Familiarity with indicial notation and tensor calculus.
  • Knowledge of Cartesian coordinates and their application in vector fields.
  • Proficiency in differentiation techniques involving vector fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Laplacian operator in vector calculus.
  • Learn about tensor calculus and its applications in physics and engineering.
  • Explore the product rule for differentiation in the context of vector fields.
  • Investigate the implications of dyads and their operations in continuum mechanics.
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This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering, particularly those focusing on fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, and tensor analysis.

ganondorf29
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Given the dyad formed by two arbitrary position vector fields, u and v, use indicial notation in Cartesian coordinates to prove:

$$\nabla^2 ({\vec u \vec v}) = \vec v \nabla^2 {\vec u} + \vec u \nabla^2 {\vec v} + 2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T
$$

Homework Equations


[/B]
Per my professor's notes, the Laplacian of a dyad (also a tensor) is given as:
$$
\nabla^2 {\mathbf {S}} = \nabla \cdot {S_{ij,k} \mathbf{e_{i}e_{j}e_{k}}} = S_{ij,kk} \mathbf{e_{i}e_{j}}
$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
$$
\nabla^2 {\mathbf {uv}} = (u_{i}v_{j})_{,kk} = u_{i,kk}v_{j} + u_{i}v_{j,kk} \\
u_{i,kk}v_{j} + u_{i}v_{j,kk} = \vec v \nabla^2 {\vec u} + \vec u \nabla^2 {\vec v}
$$I don't know where the following terms come from:
$$
2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T
$$

Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel that I am missing a step or something.
 
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ganondorf29 said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Given the dyad formed by two arbitrary position vector fields, u and v, use indicial notation in Cartesian coordinates to prove:

$$\nabla^2 ({\vec u \vec v}) = \vec v \nabla^2 {\vec u} + \vec u \nabla^2 {\vec v} + 2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T
$$

Homework Equations


[/B]
Per my professor's notes, the Laplacian of a dyad (also a tensor) is given as:
$$
\nabla^2 {\mathbf {S}} = \nabla \cdot {S_{ij,k} \mathbf{e_{i}e_{j}e_{k}}} = S_{ij,kk} \mathbf{e_{i}e_{j}}
$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
$$
\nabla^2 {\mathbf {uv}} = (u_{i}v_{j})_{,kk} = u_{i,kk}v_{j} + u_{i}v_{j,kk} \\
u_{i,kk}v_{j} + u_{i}v_{j,kk} = \vec v \nabla^2 {\vec u} + \vec u \nabla^2 {\vec v}
$$I don't know where the following terms come from:
$$
2\nabla {\vec u} \cdot {(\nabla \vec v)}^T
$$

Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel that I am missing a step or something.
I'm not good with coordinates, so I leave this up to you.
But ##\nabla (\mathbf{u}\mathbf{v}) = \mathbf{u}(\nabla \mathbf{v}) + (\nabla \mathbf{u})\mathbf{v}## and the next differentiation gives you the third term (twice).
 

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