Weird ways of doing closed loop integrals

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of Green's Theorem to evaluate a closed loop integral of a vector field around a triangle. The first integral is set up as a double integral, while the second uses a formula involving the first moment of area and the centroidal distance. The origin of these formulas is not explained in the book, but the speaker realizes that they can be derived by applying Green's Theorem. They also mention using centroid formulas from previous knowledge.
  • #1
wahaj
156
2
I was looking at an example where it was evaluating a closed loop integral of a vector field around a triangle (0,0) (1,1) (2,0) by using greens theorem. This example was in the green's theorem section of the book so green's theorem must be used. Anyways the double integral was set up as follows
[tex]\int \int_T (y+x) dA [/tex]
This integral wasn't evaluated the way I have been taught before but rather the book used the following formula
[tex] (\bar{y}+\bar{x}) \times area \ of \ triangle [/tex]
In another instance a closed loop integrals of a vector field around F was evaluated and the formula used there was
(area of circle) ∇F [itex]\bullet[/itex] [itex]\widehat{n}[/itex]
I have never seen these formulas before and the book offers no explanation. Where does this formula come from?
On a side note does green's theorem evaluate the closed loop integral in the counterclockwise direction?
 
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  • #2
By applying Green's Theorem in the plane, you can demonstrate the first formula. After all, it is just a mathematical statement of the first moment of area of the region T about the x-axis added to the first moment of area of the region T about the y-axis. By definition, the first moment of any plane figure is the area of the figure multiplied by its centroidal distance.

I suspect a similar application of Green's Theorem for the second example will produce the formula shown.
 
  • #3
Looking back at the centroid formulas from last year I was able to figure out the first formula. Thanks for help.
 

1. What is a closed loop integral?

A closed loop integral is a type of mathematical calculation that involves integrating a function along a closed curve or path. It is often used in physics and engineering to calculate the work done by a force on an object that moves along a closed path.

2. How is a closed loop integral different from a regular integral?

A closed loop integral is different from a regular integral in that it involves integrating a function along a closed path rather than a single point or interval. This means that the limits of integration must be specified as a curve or path, rather than just two points.

3. What are some real-world applications of closed loop integrals?

Closed loop integrals have many real-world applications, including calculating the work done by a force on an object moving along a closed path, calculating the flow of a fluid around a closed curve, and finding the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire.

4. How do you solve a closed loop integral?

To solve a closed loop integral, you must first parameterize the curve or path of integration. Then, substitute the parameterized function into the original integral and use the appropriate integration techniques to solve for the final result.

5. What are some common challenges when working with closed loop integrals?

Some common challenges when working with closed loop integrals include accurately parameterizing the curve or path of integration, choosing the correct limits of integration, and dealing with complex or multi-dimensional functions. It is also important to consider the orientation of the curve and whether it is positively or negatively oriented.

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