How can I evaluate a contour integral over a complex function?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a question about a contour integral and the attempt at solving it using various methods. The conversation also touches on the application of Cauchy's integral theorem and the concept of closed contours. Ultimately, the conversation suggests finding an anti-derivative to solve the integral.
  • #1
trickae
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Contour Integral question

Homework Statement



http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8536/20075202330586331530065ra7.jpg
I need to evaluate the following integral over the above contour - also could someone do it for integral (ez cos z) as well?

Thanks in advance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried the method of deformation, i tried using the form

Integral [F(z) dz] = integral [f(z(t)) . z'(t)]

neither method works - because i get stuck near the end.

my working
:
Integral [F(z) dz] = integral [f(z(t)) . z'(t)]

the parametrized form of the contour - i used the deformation principle

that

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5272/myworkingcomplexq3wy8.jpg


yet i doubt this is the method - any help?
 
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  • #2
can someone explain this?

we know that ez sinz is an entire function. i.e. it has no singularities.and the region D is bounded by the simple closed path.
so by Cauchy integral theorem, we have http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/8707/cramsterequation2007521ed3.png =[/URL] 0
i.e. http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9658/cramsterequation2007521mb9.png =[/URL] 0.
similarly http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1315/cramsterequation2007521gx5.png =0
 
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  • #4
trickae said:
we know that ez sinz is an entire function. i.e. it has no singularities.and the region D is bounded by the simple closed path.
so by Cauchy integral theorem, we have http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/8707/cramsterequation2007521ed3.png =[/URL] 0
i.e. http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9658/cramsterequation2007521mb9.png =[/URL] 0.
similarly http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1315/cramsterequation2007521gx5.png =0
Cauchy's integral formula says that the integral of an entire function, over a closed contour, is 0. The contour in this problem is not closed.
It is, however, true that you can replace the given contour by any other contour having the same endpoints. You might use the quarter circle or two lines, from i down the imaginary axis to 0 and then up the real axis to [itex]\pi[/itex].
 
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  • #5
if the contour isn't closed then in fact it isn't 0 then is it? or does the above still hold? I was thinking it was integrable ...
 
  • #6
If the contour is not closed then the integral is not necessarily 0 but might be. I'm not sure what you mean by "I was thinking it was integrable"- ezsin(z) obviously is integrable! As I said, you can use any contour having the same endpoints- in particular the quarter-circle you mentioned or two line segments. Yet another way to do this is to "ignore" the contour: find an anti-derivative of ezsin(z) and evaluate at i and [itex]\pi[/itex].
 
  • #7
thanks i'll do that.
 

FAQ: How can I evaluate a contour integral over a complex function?

What is a contour integral?

A contour integral is a type of integral in complex analysis that calculates the area under a curve in the complex plane. It is often used to solve problems in physics and engineering, and has applications in many other fields.

How is a contour integral different from a regular integral?

A contour integral is performed along a specific path or contour in the complex plane, rather than over a range of values like a regular integral. Additionally, the function being integrated must be analytic (meaning it has a derivative at every point) in order for the contour integral to be well-defined.

What is the Cauchy-Goursat theorem and how is it related to contour integrals?

The Cauchy-Goursat theorem states that if a function is analytic inside and on a closed contour, then the contour integral of that function is equal to 0. This theorem is important in contour integration because it allows us to evaluate certain integrals by using the properties of analytic functions.

Can contour integrals be evaluated using the fundamental theorem of calculus?

No, the fundamental theorem of calculus only applies to real-valued integrals, whereas contour integrals involve complex-valued functions. Instead, contour integrals are usually evaluated using techniques such as the Cauchy-Goursat theorem, Cauchy's integral formula, or the residue theorem.

What are some real-world applications of contour integrals?

Contour integrals have numerous applications in physics and engineering, such as calculating electric and magnetic fields, fluid flow, and heat transfer. They are also used in signal processing, image processing, and probability theory, among other fields.

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