The Surface Integral of a Vector Field with Restrictions: How Do I Solve It?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a surface integral of a vector field, specifically the integral I = ∫∫A·n dS, where A is a given vector field and n is the normal vector to the surface defined by certain parameters. The problem includes restrictions on the parameters u and v, and requires that the z-component of the normal vector be positive.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore calculating the normal vector using both cross products and gradients, noting discrepancies in the z-component. There are attempts to express the vector field in terms of the parameters u and v, and concerns about the boundaries of integration and the implications of infinite limits arise. Questions about the interpretation of the restrictions on u and v are also discussed.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on maintaining the integral in terms of u and v and using a specific formula for the surface integral. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the boundaries for u and v, with some participants confirming the intended limits of -1 to 1.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the interpretation of the boundaries for u and v, with initial misunderstandings about their limits leading to discussions about the implications for the integral's finiteness.

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Homework Statement


Given is the vector field, [itex]\overline{A}[/itex] = (x2-y2, (x+y)2, (x-y)2). The surface: [itex]\overline{B}[/itex] = (u+v, u-v, uv). The restrictions are the following: -1≤ u, v≤ 1, and the z-component of the normal has to be positive.
Calculate I, I = ∫∫[itex]\overline{A}[/itex][itex]\cdot[/itex][itex]\overline{n}[/itex]dS

Homework Equations






The Attempt at a Solution


What I did was I first tried calculating the normal by using the cross product between the two vectors tangent to the surface. This however got me a normal vector with a z component equal to zero. Then I tried expressing u and v in terms of x and y, plugging that into the parameter for z, z = uv, got me z as a function of x and y. I then defined a potential, Φ = z - f(x,y), where z = f(x,y). Calculating n=∇Φ got me a normal vector with non-zero z-component. Easy.

Next I calculated the dot product between the vector field, A, and the normal, n, in terms of u and v. This is where I got stuck. I'm not sure how to calculate the integral given the boundaries above.

-1≤ u, v≤ 1 is the same as -1≤ u< ∞, -∞< v ≤ 1. I tried integrating with respect to one of the variables but what happens with the infinites when evaluating the result?

Maybe I missed something, my calculus skills are a little bit rusty at the moment.

Oh, I was wondering, how come the normal vectors calculated from the cross product and gradient are different? aren't they supposed to be the same?
 
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Log said:

Homework Statement


Given is the vector field, [itex]\overline{A}[/itex] = (x2-y2, (x+y)2, (x-y)2). The surface: [itex]\overline{B}[/itex] = (u+v, u-v, uv). The restrictions are the following: -1≤ u, v≤ 1, and the z-component of the normal has to be positive.
Calculate I, I = ∫∫[itex]\overline{A}[/itex][itex]\cdot[/itex][itex]\overline{n}[/itex]dS

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


What I did was I first tried calculating the normal by using the cross product between the two vectors tangent to the surface. This however got me a normal vector with a z component equal to zero.

Show us your steps. I don't get zero in the 3rd component.

Then I tried expressing u and v in terms of x and y, plugging that into the parameter for z, z = uv, got me z as a function of x and y. I then defined a potential, Φ = z - f(x,y), where z = f(x,y). Calculating n=∇Φ got me a normal vector with non-zero z-component. Easy.

Next I calculated the dot product between the vector field, A, and the normal, n, in terms of u and v. This is where I got stuck. I'm not sure how to calculate the integral given the boundaries above.

-1≤ u, v≤ 1 is the same as -1≤ u< ∞, -∞< v ≤ 1. I tried integrating with respect to one of the variables but what happens with the infinites when evaluating the result?

Maybe I missed something, my calculus skills are a little bit rusty at the moment.

Oh, I was wondering, how come the normal vectors calculated from the cross product and gradient are different? aren't they supposed to be the same?

You want to leave it all in terms of u and v. And use the formula$$
\iint_S \vec F\cdot \hat n dS = \pm\iint_{(u,v)}\vec F(u,v)\cdot \vec R_u\times \vec R_v\, dudv$$using the appropriate sign to agree with your orientation (plus if ##\vec R_u\times \vec R_v## is in the right direction).
 
I calculated the normal again and got it to be:
n = (-(u + v), u - v, 2).
This has a z-component > 0.

Then I expressed A in terms of u and v:
A = (uv, u2, v2).

The dot product of A and n is:
4(2v2 + u3 - 2u2v - uv2)

I can't see how the integral of this is going to be finite, given the boundaries.
 
I think the problem intends for you to take ##-1 \le u \le 1## and ##-1 \le v \le 1##.
 
vela said:
I think the problem intends for you to take ##-1 \le u \le 1## and ##-1 \le v \le 1##.

Ahhh, you're right!

I thought the comma was there to separate.

Thanks!
 

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