Surface integral of a cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the surface integral ∫A·n dS, where A is a vector field defined as A = z x + x y + 3y² z z, and S is the surface of a cylinder defined by x² + y² = 16 within specified bounds for x, y, and z. Participants express uncertainty regarding surface integrals and the application of relevant theorems.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the surface integral and explore the use of parameterization for the cylinder. There are attempts to compute the integral directly, with some expressing confusion about their results. Others suggest converting the surface integral into a volume integral using the divergence theorem, questioning the logic behind this approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods for solving the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the divergence theorem, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or final answer. Participants are encouraged to verify their calculations and consider the implications of using different methods.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original problem being intended for straightforward calculation rather than the application of Gauss's theorem. Participants are also reminded that the surface integral should account for the end surfaces of the cylinder.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate the surface integral ∫A\bullet\hat{n}dS where A = z\hat{x}+x\hat{y}+3y^2z\hat{z} and S is the cylinder x^2+y^2=16 for the range of x\geq0,y\geq0, 0\leqz\leq5

Homework Equations


I used this page as an example way to do this. I'm not good with surface integrals.


The Attempt at a Solution


I know I did this wrong because my answer seems wrong but... following that page linked to above

\Phi(θ,t) = 4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y}+t\hat{z}

where 0\leqθ\leq2∏,0\leqt\leq5

\partial\Phi/\partialθ = -4sin(θ)\hat{x}+4cos(θ)\hat{y}

\partial\Phi/\partialt = \hat{z}

normal vector is the cross product between those two derivatives which I found it equal to

4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y}

setting up the integral
(the integral on the left is from 0 to 5 and the second integral is from 0 to 2∏)

∫∫A(\Phi(θ,t))\bullet(that cross product I got)dθdt

= ∫∫(t\hat{x}+4cos(θ)\hat{y}+3*16*(sin(θ))^2*t)\bullet(4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y})dθdt

= ∫∫(4t*cos(θ)+16sin(θ)cos(θ))dθdt

=∫ (4t*sin(θ)-4cos(2θ))dt evaluated for 0 to 2π

and this is where I get zero... where did I go wrong?

thanks!
Hover
 
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hover said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the surface integral ∫A\bullet\hat{n}dS where A = z\hat{x}+x\hat{y}+3y^2z\hat{z} and S is the cylinder x^2+y^2=16 for the range of x\geq0,y\geq0, 0\leqz\leq5

Homework Equations


I used this page as an example way to do this. I'm not good with surface integrals.


The Attempt at a Solution


I know I did this wrong because my answer seems wrong but... following that page linked to above

\Phi(θ,t) = 4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y}+t\hat{z}

where 0\leqθ\leq2∏,0\leqt\leq5

\partial\Phi/\partialθ = -4sin(θ)\hat{x}+4cos(θ)\hat{y}

\partial\Phi/\partialt = \hat{z}

normal vector is the cross product between those two derivatives which I found it equal to

4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y}

setting up the integral
(the integral on the left is from 0 to 5 and the second integral is from 0 to 2∏)

∫∫A(\Phi(θ,t))\bullet(that cross product I got)dθdt

= ∫∫(t\hat{x}+4cos(θ)\hat{y}+3*16*(sin(θ))^2*t)\bullet(4cos(θ)\hat{x}+4sin(θ)\hat{y})dθdt

= ∫∫(4t*cos(θ)+16sin(θ)cos(θ))dθdt

=∫ (4t*sin(θ)-4cos(2θ))dt evaluated for 0 to 2π

and this is where I get zero... where did I go wrong?

thanks!
Hover

I guess the easiest way is to convert into a volume integral, \int A\cdot\hat{n}\,dS=\int \nabla\cdot A\,dV, then you realize the divergence of A is really simple...
 
sunjin09 said:
I guess the easiest way is to convert into a volume integral, \int A\cdot\hat{n}\,dS=\int \nabla\cdot A\,dV, then you realize the divergence of A is really simple...

Well if that equation you have there is equal then it would be very simple. The divergence of A is 3y^2. This is a triple integral and the answer would be 1280... even if I screwed up this integral... this method seems way too easy. What is the logic behind that equation you gave me?
 
hover said:
Well if that equation you have there is equal then it would be very simple. The divergence of A is 3y^2. This is a triple integral and the answer would be 1280... even if I screwed up this integral... this method seems way too easy. What is the logic behind that equation you gave me?

I guess you haven't learned Gauss's theorem, which states exactly that identity I wrote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergence_theorem
 
sunjin09 said:
I guess you haven't learned Gauss's theorem, which states exactly that identity I wrote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergence_theorem

Well I can't argue with that. Just one last question. Is my new answer right? I'll show my work if you want me too.
 
hover said:
Well I can't argue with that. Just one last question. Is my new answer right? I'll show my work if you want me too.

Since you haven't known Gauss's theorem, the problem you have in hand is obviously not intended for you to use Gauss's theorem, but to practice your skill of straightforward calculation. So stick to your original method and make sure every step is right, you can use the other method to check your answer, which I can't do for you. Also note that in Gauss's theorem the surface integral also includes the two end surfaces of the cylinder.
 

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