Gradient of scalar function discontinuous on boundary

The only difference is that in your third integral, you have specified that the integration is only over the boundary of volume 'v', whereas in your second integral, it is over the entire volume 'v'.In summary, if g(r) is a scalar function that is constant inside the volume 'v' but discontinuous at the boundaries, with a magnitude of discontinuity given by constant 'M', then the expression \int\nablag(r)dv=M\int\hat{n}\delta(r-rs)dv=M\hat{n}\intd\deltav represents the same integral over the boundary of 'v' and the outward normal. The first integral is zero and the second and third integrals are equal.
  • #1
mfurqan
1
0
suppose g(r) is a scalar function which is constant inside the volume 'v' but discontinuous at the boundaries of 'v'. The magnitude of discontinuity is given by constant 'M' then can we write the following expression
[itex]\int\nabla[/itex]g(r)dv=M[itex]\int\hat{n}\delta[/itex](r-rs)dv=M[itex]\hat{n}\int[/itex]d[itex]\delta[/itex]v

where [itex]\delta[/itex]v is the boundary of volume 'v'
rs[itex]\in\delta[/itex]v
[itex]\hat{n}[/itex] is the outward normal
 
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  • #2
I think your first integral is zero, even though there is a discontinuity at the boundary. The only possible way that your first integral could be non-zero is if the discontinuity jumped to infinity.

As for your second integral equaling your third integral, that's correct.
 

FAQ: Gradient of scalar function discontinuous on boundary

What is a scalar function?

A scalar function is a mathematical function that takes in one or more variables and returns a single numerical value. Examples of scalar functions include temperature, pressure, and density.

What is a gradient?

A gradient is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function at a specific point. It is a vector that points in the direction of the steepest increase of the function.

Why is the gradient of a scalar function important?

The gradient of a scalar function is important because it provides information about the direction and magnitude of the change of the function. This information is useful in many fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics.

Why can the gradient of a scalar function be discontinuous on the boundary?

The gradient of a scalar function can be discontinuous on the boundary because the boundary is where two different regions meet, and the function may have different rates of change in each region. This can result in a sudden change in the gradient at the boundary.

How is the gradient of a scalar function calculated?

The gradient of a scalar function is calculated by taking the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable, and then combining them into a vector. This vector represents the direction and magnitude of the function's steepest increase at that point.

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