Vector calculus identities - is this right?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the manipulation of vector calculus identities, specifically examining the equality between the divergence of a tensor product and a scalar function. The equation presented is \nabla\cdot [\rho\vec{v}\vec{v}] \cdot\vec{v} = \nabla\cdot[\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 \vec{v}], where \rho is a position-dependent scalar function. The manipulation involves using the outer product and index notation to express the divergence of the tensor quantity \rho \vec{v} \otimes \vec{v}. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding tensor transformations and the implications of using index notation in vector calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically divergence and tensor products.
  • Familiarity with index notation and its application in tensor analysis.
  • Knowledge of scalar functions and their dependence on spatial variables.
  • Basic concepts of tensor transformations and invariance.
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  • Study the properties of tensor products and their applications in fluid dynamics.
  • Learn about the divergence theorem and its implications in vector calculus.
  • Explore index notation in detail, focusing on its use in tensor calculus.
  • Investigate the role of scalar functions in vector fields and their physical interpretations.
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This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering, particularly those working with fluid dynamics and tensor analysis.

quarky2001
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I'm manipulating an equation, and I think I am correct in doing this, but not sure. Could someone tell me if the equality I've written below is true?

<br /> [\nabla\cdot [\rho\vec{v}\vec{v}] ]\cdot\vec{v} = \nabla\cdot[\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 \vec{v}]<br />

(where \rho is dependent on position)

*NOTE* that my use of \vec{v}\vec{v} (beside each other without a dot or cross) denotes a tensor quantity, i.e. \nabla\cdot(\rho\vec{v}\vec{v}) = \rho(\vec{v}\cdot\nabla)\vec{v} + \vec{v}\nabla\cdot(\rho\vec{v}).
 
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so you mean an outer product
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_product

now i assume v = v(x,y,z). also is ro a scalar constant, or a scalar function

something like this is probably simpler in index notation, though you'll have to be careful with grad, this work in progress but hopefully helpful (and not rigorous)

so first let's define the dot product of the grad operator as
<br /> \nabla\cdot \vec{v} = \frac{\partial }{\partial x_i} \delta_{ij} v_j = \frac{\partial }{\partial x_i} v_i<br />

for the outer product (becoming in effect a 3x3 matrix)
<br /> \rho \vec{v} \otimes \vec{v} = v_j v_k<br />

then extend to (and this is a bit of a strecth)
<br /> \nabla\cdot ( \rho \vec{v} \otimes \vec{v}) = \frac{\partial }{\partial x_i} \delta_{ij} \rho v_j v_k<br />

see if you can extend it from there (note I've only used index summation notation and haven't gone near contra/covariance & invariance and tensor tranformations, which will become important when you start referring to tensors...)
 
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