Retaining Linear Terms of v and δ in Expansion Calculations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the retention of linear terms in the context of expansion calculations involving the variables \( v \) and \( \delta \). Participants are examining the implications of these terms in relation to specific mathematical expressions and their physical interpretations, focusing on the conditions under which certain terms can be neglected.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents terms involving \( \frac{(v \cdot \nabla)v}{a(t)} \) and \( \nabla \cdot [\rho(1+\delta)v] \), questioning how to verify the argument of retaining only linear terms of \( v/\delta \).
  • Another participant suggests that the ratio \( |\frac{v}{\delta}| \) is presumed to be small, indicating a potential condition for simplification.
  • There is confusion among participants regarding whether the linear terms refer to \( v \) or \( \delta \), with multiple requests for clarification on this point.
  • One participant argues that the expression \( v/\delta \) should be interpreted as linear in the ratio \( \frac{v}{\delta} \), rather than as separate linear terms in \( v \) and \( \delta \).
  • Another participant emphasizes that if \( |\epsilon| \ll 1 \) is small, significant terms are those independent of \( \epsilon \) and those linear in \( \epsilon \), suggesting a method for identifying relevant terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the interpretation of linear terms in relation to \( v \) and \( \delta \). There is no consensus on whether the terms should be considered independently or in the ratio form, indicating a contested understanding of the mathematical expressions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the ambiguity regarding the interpretation of linear terms, and there are unresolved questions about the conditions under which certain terms can be neglected in the calculations.

Apashanka
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While doing some calculations I came across some terms which are ##\frac{(v•\vec \nabla)v}{a(t)}## and ##\vec \nabla•[\rho(1+\delta)v]## where all quantities have spatial dependence other than "a" which has only time dependence ,
the first term here is canceled and the the second term is rewritten as ##\frac{\rho(\nabla•v)}{a}## and the argument is given "retaining only linear terms of ##v /\delta##"
Can anyone please help me in how to check this out??
 
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Presumably ##|\frac{\nu}{\delta}|## is small.
 
mathman said:
Presumably ##|\frac{\nu}{\delta}|## is small.
Sorry I didn't got ,it's linear terms of "##v##" or "##\delta##"
 
Apashanka said:
Sorry I didn't got ,it's linear terms of "##v##" or "##\delta##"

Why would "v/\delta" mean anything other than v divided by \delta? If you mean terms linear in two independent variablews, say "linear in v and \delta".

If |\epsilon| \ll 1 is small, then the most significant terms are those independent of \epsilon and those which are linear in \epsilon. Higher order terms can be neglected.
 
Apashanka said:
Sorry I didn't got ,it's linear terms of "##v##" or "##\delta##"
Linear in the ratio ##\frac{\nu}{\delta}##.
 
Apashanka said:
and the argument is given "retaining only linear terms of ##v /\delta##"
Apashanka said:
Sorry I didn't got ,it's linear terms of "v" or "δ"

mathman said:
Linear in the ratio ##\frac{\nu}{\delta}##.
I believe that linear in the ratio is the only reasonable meaning. I sincerely doubt that "/" should be interpreted as "or".
 

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