Volume integral turned in to surface + line integral?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical representation of volume integrals in the context of magnetohydrodynamics, specifically relating to the equality \(\vec{B}dV = (\vec{B} \cdot d\vec{S}) d\vec{l}\). The user expresses confusion regarding the transformation of surface and line integrals, particularly in relation to the volume encompassed by magnetic field lines in a plasma flux rope. The reference material is "Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics" by D. Schnack, particularly Chapter 12, which discusses magnetic helicity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, particularly surface and line integrals.
  • Familiarity with magnetohydrodynamics concepts, especially magnetic helicity.
  • Knowledge of volume elements in three-dimensional space.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation in physics literature.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of magnetic helicity in "Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics" by D. Schnack.
  • Research the mathematical properties of volume integrals and their applications in physics.
  • Explore the relationship between surface integrals and line integrals in vector calculus.
  • Examine specific examples of plasma flux ropes and their magnetic field configurations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focused on magnetohydrodynamics, plasma physics, and vector calculus applications in fluid dynamics.

AntiElephant
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Hi, I have a book that makes the equality.

\vec{B}dV = (\vec{e_1}B_1 + \vec{e_2}B_2 + \vec{e_1}B_2)dx_1 dx_2 dx_3 \\[1ex]<br /> = dx_1 \vec{e}_1(B_1 dx_2 dx_3 ) + dx_2 \vec{e}_2(B_2 dx_1 dx_3 ) + dx_3 \vec{e}_3 (B_3 dx_1 dx_2) = (\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{S}) d\vec{l}.

I'm a bit confused as to how it makes that last equality. In a very general sense, the surface element is given by;

d\vec{S} = (dx_2dx_3,dx_1dx_3,dx_1dx_2)

right? What I need is a way of represententing d\vec{l} = (dx_1,dx_2,dx_3) as being multiplied component-wise by the 3 summation terms of \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{S}, but as far as I can tell the notation (\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{S})d\vec{l} doesn't seem to do that?

If this is not possible, it might be cause it's specific to my situation. I'm looking at the integral of B over the volume a plasma flux rope - which is defined as the volume encompassed by a fixed selection of magnetic field lines.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think its just a shorthand that they are using. I can't seem to use the formal rules of vectors to transform the right side into the left. What book is this from?
 
xiavatar said:
I think its just a shorthand that they are using. I can't seem to use the formal rules of vectors to transform the right side into the left. What book is this from?

Lectures in magnetohydrodynamics by D.Schnack. Think it's possible to access it online. Chapter 12 when it talks about magnetic helicity (page 73).

If it's not possible in general to write it like that, it might because it's relevant to the situation.

Maybe the volume element is chosen to be a line element dl in the direction of the field, mutiplying a surface element dS which is perpendicular to the line and field direction (covering the poloial cross section). In this coordinate system B_2 = B_3 = 0 always. And

\vec{B} dV = dx_1 \vec{e_1} (B_1 dx_2 dx_3) = (\vec{B} \cdot d\vec{S})\cdot d\vec{l}

I'm not entirely sure how correct this is.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
995
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K