Vector Calculus: Computing (V•∇)U and (U•∇)V with Given Functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on computing the vector calculus expressions (\vec{V}\cdot\nabla)\vec{U} and (\vec{U}\cdot\nabla)\vec{V} using the given vector functions \vec{V} and \vec{U}. The user correctly interprets the problem and applies the product rule for differentiation to evaluate the expressions. The results yield vectors, confirming the user's approach is valid, although the task is acknowledged as tedious. Participants agree that there is no simpler method for solving these expressions.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically the gradient operator (∇).
  • Familiarity with vector functions and their components.
  • Knowledge of the product rule in differentiation.
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Homework Statement


Hello. I want to see if I am interpreting the following correctly, I certainly don't expect anyone to work the problem out as it is (at least with my approach) fairly tedious.

Compute the following:

[tex](\vec{V}\cdot\nabla)\vec{U}[/tex]
[tex](\vec{U}\cdot\nabla)\vec{V}[/tex]

Given:

[tex]\vec{r} = x\hat{x}+y\hat{y}+z\hat{z}[/tex]
[tex]\vec{V}=yz\hat{x}+xz\hat{y}+xy\hat{z}[/tex]

[tex]\vec{U}=\frac{x^2+y^2+z^2}{(x^2+y^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\hat{z}-\frac{z}{(x^2+y^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\vec{r}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my approach

[tex](\vec{U}\cdot\nabla)\vec{V}= U_{x}\frac{d}{dx}(yz\hat{x}+xz\hat{y}+xy\hat{z})+U_{y}\frac{d}{dy}(yz\hat{x}+xz\hat{y}+xy\hat{z})+U_{z}\frac{d}{dz}(yz\hat{x}+xz\hat{y}+xy\hat{z})[/tex]

I evaluate the first part of the expression above as:

[tex]U_{x}\frac{d}{dx}(yz\hat{x}+xz\hat{y}+xy\hat{z})=\frac{-z^{2}x}{(x^2+y^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\hat{y}+\frac{-zxy}{(x^2+y^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\hat{z}[/tex]

After doing the same for the rest of the equation, and adding the components, my result is a vector.

I use the same approach for:

[tex](\vec{V}\cdot\nabla)\vec{U}[/tex]

Does anyone disagree? If not, does anyone see a more efficient way of doing this?
 
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Without checking everything, it looks like you are on the right track. And I don't see any easier way to do it. It looks like it was set up as a deliberately tedious exercise. I hate those.
 

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