Verify the divergence theorem for a cylinder

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on verifying the divergence theorem for the vector field \textbf{F} = <1-x^{2}, -y^{2}, z> applied to a solid cylinder of radius 1, extending between the planes z=0 and z=2. Participants addressed challenges in computing the surface integral, particularly in correctly parametrizing the cylinder. The correct parametrization involves using for the sides and fixing z at 2 for the top surface, ensuring the normal vector has a component in the z direction. The discussion clarified that both r and t vary for the top surface while z remains constant.

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  • Understanding of the divergence theorem in vector calculus.
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates and parametrization techniques.
  • Knowledge of vector fields and surface integrals.
  • Ability to compute cross products of vectors.
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  • Learn about parametrization of surfaces in cylindrical coordinates.
  • Explore the computation of surface integrals in vector calculus.
  • Review the properties of normal vectors in surface integrals.
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Feodalherren
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Homework Statement



Verify the divergence theorem if \textbf{F} = &lt;1-x^{2}, -y^{2}, z &gt; for a solid cylinder of radius 1 that lies between the planes z=0 and z=2.

Homework Equations


Divergence theorem


The Attempt at a Solution



I can do the triple integral part no problem. Where I run into issues is the surface integral part.

Parametrizing a cylinder is done by <rcost,rsint,z>, correct?

So looking at the top part I want it oriented in the positive k direction to get flow OUT of the cylinder - hence S: <cost,sint,2> because it lies in the plane z=2.
Similarly for the bottom S: <cost,-sint,0>

Now for the side, the side never has any k components so S: <cost,sint,0>

Now let's look at the top again. If I take the derivatives with repect to Z and try to cross them I end up with 0 net flow in every direction, it does not agree with the triple integral and isn't correct.
I have a feeling that I'm not parametrizing my cylinder correct, I remember it being a special case.

Another thing that I tried was parametrizing the top as <cost,sint,z>
Then the dS vector becomes
<cost,sint,0>
Now it's showing no component in the z direction - clearly it should have a component in the z direction?!
 
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Feodalherren said:

Homework Statement



Verify the divergence theorem if \textbf{F} = &lt;1-x^{2}, -y^{2}, z &gt; for a solid cylinder of radius 1 that lies between the planes z=0 and z=2.

Homework Equations


Divergence theorem

The Attempt at a Solution



I can do the triple integral part no problem. Where I run into issues is the surface integral part.

Parametrizing a cylinder is done by <rcost,rsint,z>, correct?

So looking at the top part I want it oriented in the positive k direction to get flow OUT of the cylinder - hence S: <cost,sint,2> because it lies in the plane z=2.
Similarly for the bottom S: <cost,-sint,0>

Now for the side, the side never has any k components so S: <cost,sint,0>

Now let's look at the top again. If I take the derivatives with repect to Z and try to cross them I end up with 0 net flow in every direction, it does not agree with the triple integral and isn't correct.
I have a feeling that I'm not parametrizing my cylinder correct, I remember it being a special case.

Another thing that I tried was parametrizing the top as <cost,sint,z>
Then the dS vector becomes
<cost,sint,0>
Now it's showing no component in the z direction - clearly it should have a component in the z direction?!

Clearly dS along the top should be in the +z direction. It should be <0,0,1>dA. How are you getting that it isn't? The coordinates along the top are <rcos(t), rsin(t), 2> take the r derivative and the t derivative and cross them.
 
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Ahh I see I thought it was
<1cost,1sint,z> I didn't realize that you allowed R to vary as it is fixed in the problem.
 
Feodalherren said:
Ahh I see I thought it was
<1cost,1sint,z> I didn't realize that you allowed R to vary as it is fixed in the problem.

The outer radius of the cylinder is fixed at 1. The coordinate r isn't fixed along the top surface. It ranges from 0 to 1. Only z is fixed. Along the sides r is fixed and z isn't.
 
Feodalherren said:

Homework Statement



Verify the divergence theorem if \textbf{F} = &lt;1-x^{2}, -y^{2}, z &gt; for a solid cylinder of radius 1 that lies between the planes z=0 and z=2.

Homework Equations


Divergence theorem

The Attempt at a Solution



I can do the triple integral part no problem. Where I run into issues is the surface integral part.

Parametrizing a cylinder is done by <rcost,rsint,z>, correct?

So looking at the top part I want it oriented in the positive k direction to get flow OUT of the cylinder - hence S: <cost,sint,2> because it lies in the plane z=2.
Similarly for the bottom S: <cost,-sint,0>

Now for the side, the side never has any k components so S: <cost,sint,0>
No, S can have any value of z between 0 and 2: S: <cos(t), sin(t), z>. A two dimensional surface always requires two parameters! The NORMAL VECTOR has no k component:
writing \vec{r}= cos(t)\vec{i}+ sin(t)\vec{j}+ z\vec{k}, we have \vec{r}_t= -sin(t)\vec{i}+ sin(t)\vec{j} and \vec{r}_z= \vec{k} and their cross product is cos(t)\vec{i}+ sin(t)\vec{j}

Now let's look at the top again. If I take the derivatives with repect to Z and try to cross them I end up with 0 net flow in every direction, it does not agree with the triple integral and isn't correct.
I have a feeling that I'm not parametrizing my cylinder correct, I remember it being a special case.

Another thing that I tried was parametrizing the top as <cost,sint,z>
Then the dS vector becomes
<cost,sint,0>
Now it's showing no component in the z direction - clearly it should have a component in the z direction?!
The top is NOT "<cos(t), sin(t), z>". That has r fixed at 1 and both t and z varying so is the cylindrical side. The top has both r and t varying and z fixed at 2: <r cos(t), r sin(t), 2> (the bottom is <r cos(t), r(sin t), 0>).
The derivative with respect to r, for the top, is <cos(t), sin(t), 0> and the derivative with respect to t <-r sin(t), cos(t), 0>. Their cross product gives \vec{n}dS= r \vec{k} drdt. Similarly, \vec{n}dS is -r\vec{k}drdt for the bottom.
 
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