Del operator in a Cylindrical vector fucntion

In summary, the conversation discusses the properties of ∂r^/∂Φ = Φ^ and ∂Φ/∂Φ = -r^ in relation to the general formula for finding the divergence of a vector function in cylindrical coordinates. The conversation also mentions a picture for visualization and a helpful discussion on Physics Forums for further explanation.
  • #1
TheColector
29
0
Hi there
  1. I'm having a hard time trying to understand how come ∂r^/∂Φ = Φ^ ,∂Φ/∂Φ = -r^ -> these 2 are properties that lead to general formula.
  2. I've been thinking about it and I couldn't explain it. I understand every step of "how to get Divergence of a vector function in Cylindrical Coordinates" except for these formulas below.
upload_2018-6-12_1-7-36.png
A picture attached for visualization.
3.
DC-1504v1.png
General formula
Thanks for any help.
 

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  • #2
TheColector said:
Hi there
  1. I'm having a hard time trying to understand how come ∂r^/∂Φ = Φ^ ,∂Φ/∂Φ = -r^ -> these 2 are properties that lead to general formula.
  2. I've been thinking about it and I couldn't explain it. I understand every step of "how to get Divergence of a vector function in Cylindrical Coordinates" except for these formulas below.
View attachment 226837 A picture attached for visualization.
3.
View attachment 226838 General formula
Thanks for any help.
If you apply the definition of derivative, these formulas will fall right out. For ##\frac {\partial \hat r} {\partial \theta}##, start with ##\hat r = (cos \theta, sin \theta)##.
By the way, you can easily write ##\hat r## as ##\#\#\backslash hat~r\#\###. For more cool formatting tricks, see the LaTex tutorial.
 

FAQ: Del operator in a Cylindrical vector fucntion

What is the Del operator in a Cylindrical vector function?

The Del operator, or nabla symbol (∇), is a mathematical operator used in vector calculus to represent the gradient, divergence, and curl of a field. In a cylindrical coordinate system, the Del operator takes the form ∇ = (∂/∂r, (1/r)(∂/∂θ), (∂/∂z)), where r, θ, and z are the radial, azimuthal, and vertical coordinates, respectively.

What is the gradient of a cylindrical vector function?

The gradient of a cylindrical vector function is a vector that points in the direction of the maximum rate of change of the function. In cylindrical coordinates, the gradient is given by ∇f = (∂f/∂r, (1/r)(∂f/∂θ), (∂f/∂z)). This can also be written as ∇f = ∂f/∂r er + (1/r)(∂f/∂θ) eθ + ∂f/∂z ez, where er, eθ, and ez are the unit vectors in the radial, azimuthal, and vertical directions, respectively.

What is the divergence of a cylindrical vector function?

The divergence of a cylindrical vector function is a scalar that represents the net flow of the vector field out of a given point. In cylindrical coordinates, the divergence is given by ∇ ⋅ F = (1/r)(∂(rFr)/∂r) + (1/r)(∂Fθ/∂θ) + (∂Fz/∂z), where Fr, Fθ, and Fz are the components of the vector field in the radial, azimuthal, and vertical directions, respectively.

What is the curl of a cylindrical vector function?

The curl of a cylindrical vector function is a vector that represents the rotation or circulation of the field around a given point. In cylindrical coordinates, the curl is given by ∇ × F = (1/r)(∂Fz/∂θ - ∂Fθ/∂z) er + (∂Fr/∂z - ∂Fz/∂r) eθ + (1/r)(∂(rFθ)/∂r - ∂Fr/∂θ) ez.

How is the Del operator used in cylindrical vector functions?

The Del operator is used to perform operations on vector fields in cylindrical coordinates, such as taking the gradient, divergence, and curl. It is also used in vector calculus theorems, such as the gradient theorem and the divergence theorem, to evaluate integrals over a region in cylindrical coordinates. Additionally, the Del operator can be used to express important physical laws, such as Maxwell's equations, in terms of vector calculus.

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