Does the divergence theorem work for a specific vector field?

In summary: I can't quite make sense of that. So split up the integral into the cylinder and then the two disks. Try dealing with the disks first.
  • #1
Tom McCurdy
1,020
1

Homework Statement


Show divergence theorem works
For the vector field [tex] E = \hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]\int_{v}\nabla \cdot E dv = \oint_{s} E \cdot ds [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] \nabla \cdot E = 1/r \frac{d}{dr}(rAr)+1/r\frac{dA\phi}{d\phi}+\frac{dAz}{dz} [/tex]
Ar=10e^(-r)
Aphi=0
Az=-3z

[tex] \nabla \cdot E = \frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3 [/tex]

[tex] \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2} (r)(\frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3) dr dz d\phi = -82.77 [/tex]

[tex] \oint_{s} E \cdot ds= \int_{0}^{2} \int_{0}^{4} (\hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z)\cdot(16 \pi \hat{r}+4\pi\hat{z}) = 2341.7 [/tex]

wow that took awhile to type
 
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  • #2
The surface form you chose to integrate over wasn't my first choice to use. The volume integral looks correct (barring calculator errors), but could you explain your thought process for the surface geometry?
 
  • #3
Tom McCurdy said:

Homework Statement


Show divergence theorem works
For the vector field [tex] E = \hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z[/tex]
You haven't given the full problem. What are s and v? What is the surface to be integrated over and its boundary?

Homework Equations



[tex]\int_{v}\nabla \cdot E dv = \oint_{s} E \cdot ds [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] \nabla \cdot E = 1/r \frac{d}{dr}(rAr)+1/r\frac{dA\phi}{d\phi}+\frac{dAz}{dz} [/tex]
Ar=10e^(-r)
Aphi=0
Az=-3z

[tex] \nabla \cdot E = \frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3 [/tex]

[tex] \int_{0}^{2\pi}\int_{0}^{4}\int_{0}^{2} (r)(\frac{1}{r}(10e^{-r}-10re^{-r})+3) dr dz d\phi = -82.77 [/tex]

[tex] \oint_{s} E \cdot ds= \int_{0}^{2} \int_{0}^{4} (\hat{r}10e^{-r}-\hat{z}3z)\cdot(16 \pi \hat{r}+4\pi\hat{z}) = 2341.7 [/tex]

wow that took awhile to type
 
  • #4
oh shoot i forgot to say it is bounded by the cylinder z=0 z=4 r=2

my thought process from the surface integral was
i found ds in r direction or the surface area normal to r 16 pi
and surface area normal to z and doted it with E
 
  • #5
The surface integral has two parts. There's the cylinder surface and then the two disks at each end. Looking at the 'normal' part of your integral, I think you know this, but you can't combine them both into a single integral. Split them up. It also looks like you are including some sort of area factor into the normal and then also integrating.
 

Related to Does the divergence theorem work for a specific vector field?

1. How does the Divergence Theorem work?

The Divergence Theorem, also known as Gauss's Theorem, states that the flux of a vector field through a closed surface is equal to the volume integral of the divergence of that vector field over the region enclosed by the surface. In simpler terms, it relates the surface integral of a vector field to the volume integral of its divergence.

2. What is the significance of the Divergence Theorem?

The Divergence Theorem provides a powerful tool for calculating the total flow of a vector field through a closed surface. It is used in many applications, such as fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.

3. How is the Divergence Theorem related to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

The Divergence Theorem is a higher-dimensional generalization of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Just like how the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus relates the integral of a function to its derivative, the Divergence Theorem relates the surface integral of a vector field to its divergence.

4. Can the Divergence Theorem be applied to any vector field?

Yes, the Divergence Theorem can be applied to any continuously differentiable vector field in three-dimensional space. However, the vector field must have a well-defined divergence at every point in the region.

5. How is the Divergence Theorem used in real-world problems?

The Divergence Theorem has many real-world applications, such as calculating the flow of fluids through pipes or channels, determining the strength of electric or magnetic fields, and analyzing heat transfer in thermodynamic systems. It is also used in various engineering and scientific fields, including aerodynamics, meteorology, and geophysics.

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