Volume integration where the radius limit depends on the polar angle

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of a volume integral of a function f(r, θ) with radius limits that depend on the polar angle. Participants explore the appropriate method for integrating with these variable limits, particularly in the context of calculating the vibrational energy of a droplet.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether it is valid to first integrate the r-part from r^4 to 1/5*r^5 before substituting the expression dependent on the polar angle.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "outer radius" and expresses skepticism about the integral's formulation, suggesting it appears nonsensical.
  • A participant clarifies that the "outer radius" refers to the radius of the droplet and offers to provide more information if needed.
  • Several participants emphasize the necessity of substituting the expression for r before performing any integration.
  • There is a discussion about how to approach the integration after substituting the expression for r, with differing opinions on whether to treat it as a constant or to integrate directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the correct approach to integrating the volume integral, with multiple competing views on when to substitute the expression for r and how to proceed with the integration.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the integration limits and the substitution of the expression for r, which may affect the evaluation of the integral.

M_1
Messages
30
Reaction score
1
Hi,
I want to calculate a volume integral of a function f(r,theta). The limits for azimuthal and polar angle is of course 0-2*pi and 0-pi, respectively. But the limits for the radius is 0 to an expression depending on the polar angle. Can I simply first integrate the r-part, say from r^4 to 1/5*r^5, and then put in the expression with the polar angle and then integrate?

See attached Word-file for explanations.

Many thanks!
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
What do you mean by "outer radius"?

That's one ugly looking integral. What is this for?
 
Hi,

Thanks for your answer.

By outer radius I simply mean the radius of the droplet.

All this is for calculating the vibrational energy of a vibrating droplet. I you want I can send you a more complete document.
 
I'm not really sure if what you're doing makes sense.

If you wanted to evaluate that integral, you need to sub in the expression for ##r##. The limits of the ##dr## integral are just ##[r,0]##.

It would look something like this:

$$\int ^{2\pi} _0 \int ^\pi _0 \int ^r _0 r^4 cos^2 (\theta)sin^3 (\theta) dr d\theta d\phi$$

And you need to plug in that hideous expression for ##r##.

I'll be honest with you, the reason you haven't gotten many responses is because this looks like total nonsense.

A tip: Use the built in math script, nobody wants to download a file from a random user on an internet forum. It has a bit of a learning curve, but you'll get used to it.
 
Hi again,

Thanks!

The question is if I can integrate r4 to 1/5r5 and then put in the expression for r (Eq. 2).

Best Regards
 
Certainly not, you need to sub the expression in before you can integrate anything.
 
But if I plug in the expression for r, how should I proceed with the r-integration. Should I see it as the function 1 and integrate to the primitive function r? This will differ by a factor of 1/5 as compared to to first integrate r4 to 1/5r5 and then put in the expression for r (Eq. 2).
 
Plug the expression for ##r## in, and integrate as you normally would. For example

$$\int ^{2 \pi}_0 \int ^r _0 r dr d \theta$$

Where ##r = krcos(\theta)## would be rewritten as:

$$\int ^{2 \pi}_0 \int ^r _0 (kr)cos(\theta)dr d\theta$$

You just sub it in, and THEN do the integration.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K