Surface Integral Over Tetrahedron

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around computing a surface integral of the function f(x,y,z) = y + x over a tetrahedral region defined by the vertices (0,0,0), (2,0,0), (0,2,0), and (0,0,2). Participants are exploring the parameterization of the tetrahedron's faces and the implications for the surface integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct parameterization of the triangular surfaces of the tetrahedron, with some suggesting the use of different variables for the parameters. There is confusion regarding the calculation of the normal vector and its implications for the surface integral. Questions arise about the limits of integration and the nature of the surface integral on specific faces.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the parameterization and integration process, with some participants providing guidance on the limits of integration and the correct expression for the differential area element. Multiple interpretations of the parameterization and normal vector are being considered, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an acknowledgment of potential typos and misunderstandings in the mathematical expressions being discussed.

Lancelot59
Messages
640
Reaction score
1
I have to integrate this function:
[tex] f(x,y,z)=y+x[/tex]

Over the region S which is a tetrahedron defined by points (0,0,0), (2,0,0), (0,2,0), (0,0,2).

So after I drew it out I saw that three of the faces were right up against the XZ, YZ, and XY planes. I'm getting stuck on parameterizing the faces.

I tried to do the face against the XZ plane. Using u and v I drew the plane and got a line going from (0,2) to (2,0) in the new U/V plane.

I got these as my functions for the line:
[tex]v=-u+2[/tex]
[tex]u=-v+2[/tex]

From there I parameterized it like so:
[tex] r(u,v)=(u,0,v)[/tex]
[tex] r(u,v)=(u,0,-u+2)[/tex]

with my normal being:
[tex] \vec{N}=T_{u} X T_{v} (0,-1,0)[/tex]
[tex] \vec{N}=(1,0,-1) X (0,0,0)[/tex]
[tex] ||\vec{N}||=0[/tex]

So then combing f and r:
[tex] f(r(u,v))=0+u=u[/tex]

To get:
[tex]\int\int f(r(u,v)) * ||N(u,v)|| dA[/tex]
[tex]\int\int u * 0 *dA[/tex]

So I'm confused here. Does that mean that there is no surface integral on that face? Once I get the integrals over the rest of the faces, do I just add them up?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Lancelot59 said:
I have to integrate this function:
[tex] f(x,y,z)=y+x[/tex]

Over the region S which is a tetrahedron defined by points (0,0,0), (2,0,0), (0,2,0), (0,0,2).

So after I drew it out I saw that three of the faces were right up against the XZ, YZ, and XY planes. I'm getting stuck on parameterizing the faces.

I tried to do the face against the XZ plane. Using u and v I drew the plane and got a line going from (0,2) to (2,0) in the new U/V plane.

I got these as my functions for the line:
[tex]v=-u+2[/tex]
[tex]u=-v+2[/tex]

From there I parameterized it like so:
[tex] r(u,v)=(u,0,v)[/tex]
[tex] r(u,v)=(u,0,-u+2)[/tex]

You don't want to parameterize the line, you want to parametrize the triangular surface. Your original r(u,v) = (u,0,v) is correct because you need two variables. But you need to specify v goes from 0 to 2 -u or u goes from 0 to 2-v in the inner integral limits.

with my normal being:
[tex] \vec{N}=T_{u} X T_{v} (0,-1,0)[/tex]

That would be ru x rv. (Why don't you just use x and z as the natural parameters? And for that matter observe the outward normal is -k.)

[tex] \vec{N}=(1,0,-1) X (0,0,0)[/tex]
[tex] ||\vec{N}||=0[/tex]
Not sure what that is, but it's wrong.
So then combing f and r:
[tex] f(r(u,v))=0+u=u[/tex]

To get:
[tex]\int\int f(r(u,v)) * ||N(u,v)|| dA[/tex]
[tex]\int\int u * 0 *dA[/tex]

So I'm confused here. Does that mean that there is no surface integral on that face? Once I get the integrals over the rest of the faces, do I just add them up?

Your dA should be ||(0,-1,0)|| du dv = du dv so your integral should be

[tex]\int_0^2\int_0^{2-v} u*1\, du dv[/tex]

Onward! Only 3 more faces left.:-p
 
LCKurtz said:
You don't want to parameterize the line, you want to parametrize the triangular surface. Your original r(u,v) = (u,0,v) is correct because you need two variables. But you need to specify v goes from 0 to 2 -u or u goes from 0 to 2-v in the inner integral limits.
Okay, that makes sense...

That would be ru x rv. (Why don't you just use x and z as the natural parameters? And for that matter observe the outward normal is -k.)
I like u and v...can't really say why.

How is that the normal? The face is up against the XZ plane.

Not sure what that is, but it's wrong.
That was supposed to be the normal...

Your dA should be ||(0,-1,0)|| du dv = du dv so your integral should be

[tex]\int_0^2\int_0^{2-v} u*1\, du dv[/tex]

Onward! Only 3 more faces left.:-p
Could be worse I guess.
 
LCKurtz said:
That would be ru x rv. (Why don't you just use x and z as the natural parameters? And for that matter observe the outward normal is -k.)

Lancelot59 said:
How is that the normal? The face is up against the XZ plane.

That was supposed to be the normal...

That's a woops! Obviously I meant -j, which is what I actually used as ||(0,-1,0)||dudv. And the = dudv in that equation is also a copy & paste typo.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K