Verify the divergence theorem for a cylinder

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the divergence theorem for the vector field \textbf{F} = <1-x^{2}, -y^{2}, z> applied to a solid cylinder of radius 1, bounded between the planes z=0 and z=2. Participants are examining the surface and volume integrals involved in this verification process.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the parametrization of the cylinder, questioning whether the surface integrals are set up correctly. There are attempts to clarify the orientation of the surface normals and the components involved in the parametrization.

Discussion Status

Several participants are exploring different parametrizations for the top and bottom surfaces of the cylinder, with some expressing confusion about the fixed and variable parameters. There is an ongoing examination of the normal vectors and their implications for the surface integrals, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the radius of the cylinder is fixed at 1, while the coordinate r is not fixed along the top surface, which ranges from 0 to 1. This distinction is highlighted in the context of the parametrization and the surface integral calculations.

Feodalherren
Messages
604
Reaction score
6

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?!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K