Surface Integral Check: \(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}} \int_0^1\int_0^1dxdy\)

In summary, the conversation involved a discussion about calculating a surface integral and using the divergence theorem to obtain the same answer. The conversation also touched upon using \unit notation in LaTeX and how to make it easier for others to read. The main points of the conversation were that \(\mathbf{F} = \langle x, y, z\rangle\) and the surface is \(z = xy + 1\), and that there was a mistake in the calculation of \(\hat{\mathbf{n}}\) in the original post.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
I haven't done a surface integral in a while so I am asking to get this checked.

\(\mathbf{F} = \langle x, y, z\rangle\) and the surface is \(z = xy + 1\) where \(0\leq x\leq 1\) and \(0\leq y\leq 1\).

\(\hat{\mathbf{n}} = \nabla f/ \lvert\nabla f\rvert = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\langle 1, 1, 1\rangle\)

\(dS = \frac{\lvert\nabla f\rvert dxdy}{\frac{\partial f}{\partial z}} = \sqrt{3}dxdy\)

\(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}(x+y+z) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}(x+y+xy + 1)\)

\[
\int_0^1\int_0^1(x + y + xy + 1)dxdy = \frac{9}{4}
\]

So is this the correct integral I should I obtain or is there a mistake some where?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Based on this post: http://mathhelpboards.com/geometry-11/volume-triangle-type-shape-square-bottom-6305.html my solution must be incorrect since
\[
\int_S(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}})dS = \int(\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F})dV
\]
and \(\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F} = 3\)
so
\[
\int 3dV = 3V = 3\frac{5}{4} = \frac{15}{4}
\]
(Is this integral correct?)
So what went wrong with the surface integral calculation?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
We can calculate \(\unit{n}\) by
\(\unit{n} = \frac{\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y}
{\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert}\).
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{U}_x &= \unit{i} + y\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_y &= \unit{j} + x\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y &= -y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}\\
\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert &= \sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}
\end{align*}
So \(\unit{n} = \frac{-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}}{\sqrt{1 + x^2
+ y^2}}\).
\begin{align*}
\int_S\mathbf{F}\cdot\unit{n}dA &= \int_0^1\int_0^1
(x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot\unit{n}
\sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot
(-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k})dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (-2xy + xy + 1)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (1 - xy)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\left[1 - \frac{1}{2}y\right]dy\\
&= \frac{3}{4}
\end{align*}

So now I want to show that using the divergence theorem leads to the same answer. However, I have been un-successful.

Note \unit = \hat{\mathbf{#1}}.
 
  • #4
dwsmith said:
I haven't done a surface integral in a while so I am asking to get this checked.

\(\mathbf{F} = \langle x, y, z\rangle\) and the surface is \(z = xy + 1\) where \(0\leq x\leq 1\) and \(0\leq y\leq 1\).

\(\hat{\mathbf{n}} = \nabla f/ \lvert\nabla f\rvert = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\langle 1, 1, 1\rangle\)

Are F and f supposed to be the same function?

Anyway, suppose we define g(x,y,z)=z-xy-1, then your surface is given by g(x,y,z)=0.
Then:
$$\mathbf{\hat n} = \frac{\nabla g}{|\nabla g|} = \frac {(-y,-x,1)}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}$$
which is different from what you have.
dwsmith said:
Based on this post: http://mathhelpboards.com/geometry-11/volume-triangle-type-shape-square-bottom-6305.html my solution must be incorrect since
\[
\int_S(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}})dS = \int(\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F})dV
\]
and \(\nabla\cdot\mathbf{F} = 3\)
so
\[
\int 3dV = 3V = 3\frac{5}{4} = \frac{15}{4}
\]
(Is this integral correct?)
So what went wrong with the surface integral calculation?

Don't forget that you're supposed to integrate over the entire closed surface. In particular that includes the sides where x=1 respectively y=1.
 
  • #5
I like Serena said:
Are F and f supposed to be the same function?

Anyway, suppose we define g(x,y,z)=z-xy-1, then your surface is given by g(x,y,z)=0.
Then:
$$\mathbf{\hat n} = \frac{\nabla g}{|\nabla g|} = \frac {(-y,-x,1)}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}$$
which is different from what you have.

You neglected to look at post 3.
 
  • #6
dwsmith said:
You neglected to look at post 3.

Heh. Yes, I can see there is a $\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$ in there, but no mention that you discovered the mistake in the first post.
And to be honest, I stopped reading it due to all the distracting red \units in there.

Are you satisfied then with what you found out?

It appears you're still not integrating the sides where x=1 respectively y=1.
 
  • #7
I like Serena said:
Heh. Yes, I can see there is a $\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}$ in there, but no mention that you discovered the mistake in the first post.
And to be honest, I stopped reading it due to all the distracting red \units in there.

Are you satisfied then with what you found out?

It appears you're still not integrating the sides where x=1 respectively y=1.

\unit is my notation for \hat{\mathbf{#1}}. I refuse to constantly type that.

So are you saying that 3/4 in post 3 is incorrect? What needs to be changed about that integral?
 
  • #8
dwsmith said:
\unit is my notation for \hat{\mathbf{#1}}. I refuse to constantly type that...

(Wondering)

It seems to me it would be just as easy, if not easier, to copy/paste that command after you type it once, as to type "\unit" each time.

Letting things be more difficult to read by others because you perceive it to be easier for yourself is not a path I would take personally. (Speechless) (Shake)
 
  • #9
MarkFL said:
(Wondering)

It seems to me it would be just as easy, if not easier, to copy/paste that command after you type it once, as to type "\unit" each time.

Letting things be more difficult to read by others because you perceive it to be easier for yourself is not a path I would take personally. (Speechless) (Shake)

If you use LaTeX enough, it shouldn't even phase you.
 
  • #10
dwsmith said:
\unit is my notation for \hat{\mathbf{#1}}. I refuse to constantly type that.

So are you saying that 3/4 in post 3 is incorrect? What needs to be changed about that integral?

Oh man, be a little bit creative!
In particular you only need to type it once per post.
Just put in "\newcommand{unit}[1]{\mathbf{\hat #1}} \unit n" once, like this: $\newcommand{unit}[1]{\mathbf{\hat #1}} \unit n$, and the rest of the post, even quoted, transforms.
If you want help, it helps if you make it attractive for people to help you.
dwsmith said:
We can calculate \(\unit{n}\) by
\(\unit{n} = \frac{\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y}
{\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert}\).
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{U}_x &= \unit{i} + y\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_y &= \unit{j} + x\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y &= -y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}\\
\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert &= \sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}
\end{align*}
So \(\unit{n} = \frac{-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}}{\sqrt{1 + x^2
+ y^2}}\).
\begin{align*}
\int_S\mathbf{F}\cdot\unit{n}dA &= \int_0^1\int_0^1
(x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot\unit{n}
\sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot
(-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k})dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (-2xy + xy + 1)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (1 - xy)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\left[1 - \frac{1}{2}y\right]dy\\
&= \frac{3}{4}
\end{align*}

So now I want to show that using the divergence theorem leads to the same answer. However, I have been un-successful.

Note \unit = \hat{\mathbf{#1}}.

What appears to be missing is that you have a surface at x=1.
Its normal vector is (1,0,0). Together with the function F(1,y,z) = (1,y,z) this yields a dot product of 1, meaning you get a contribution that is as large as the surface at x=1.
The same holds for y=1.
You can ignore the surfaces at x=0, y=0, respectively z=0, since they have a dot product that is 0.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Oh man, be a little bit creative!
In particular you only need to type it once per post.
Just put in "\newcommand{unit}[1]{\mathbf{\hat #1}} \unit n" once, like this: $\newcommand{unit}[1]{\mathbf{\hat #1}} \unit n$, and the rest of the post, even quoted, transforms.

I wasn't aware mathjax would allow me to enter in newcommands and trust me LaTeX can get creative.
 
  • #12
dwsmith said:
I wasn't aware mathjax would allow me to enter in newcommands and trust me LaTeX can get creative.

I have been aware of this feature since before mathjax.
It appears that vBulletin somehow keeps track of all $\LaTeX$ within 1 post.
 
  • #13
$\newcommand{\unit}[1]{\mathbf{\hat{#1}}}$

Just re-typing dwsmith's post with the newcommand.

dwsmith said:
We can calculate \(\unit{n}\) by
\(\unit{n} = \frac{\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y}
{\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert}\).
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{U}_x &= \unit{i} + y\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_y &= \unit{j} + x\unit{k}\\
\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y &= -y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}\\
\lvert\mathbf{U}_x\times\mathbf{U}_y\rvert &= \sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}
\end{align*}
So \(\unit{n} = \frac{-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k}}{\sqrt{1 + x^2
+ y^2}}\).
\begin{align*}
\int_S\mathbf{F}\cdot\unit{n}dA &= \int_0^1\int_0^1
(x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot\unit{n}
\sqrt{1 + x^2 + y^2}dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (x\unit{i} + y\unit{j} + (xy + 1)\unit{k})\cdot
(-y\unit{i} - x\unit{j} + \unit{k})dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (-2xy + xy + 1)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\int_0^1 (1 - xy)dxdy\\
&= \int_0^1\left[1 - \frac{1}{2}y\right]dy\\
&= \frac{3}{4}
\end{align*}

So now I want to show that using the divergence theorem leads to the same answer. However, I have been un-successful.
 

FAQ: Surface Integral Check: \(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}} \int_0^1\int_0^1dxdy\)

1. What is a surface integral?

A surface integral is a type of integral that is used in multivariable calculus to calculate the flux of a vector field over a curved surface. It represents the total amount of a vector quantity that passes through a given surface.

2. What is the significance of the notation \(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}} \int_0^1\int_0^1dxdy\) in the surface integral?

The notation \(\mathbf{F}\cdot\hat{\mathbf{n}}\) represents the dot product between the vector field \(\mathbf{F}\) and the unit normal vector \(\hat{\mathbf{n}}\) to the surface. The integration limits of \(\int_0^1\int_0^1dxdy\) indicate that the surface being integrated over is a unit square in the \(xy\) plane.

3. How is a surface integral calculated?

To calculate a surface integral, the surface is first divided into small regions. The flux through each region is then calculated using the dot product and the area of the region. The total flux is determined by summing up the flux through each region.

4. What are some applications of surface integrals?

Surface integrals have many applications in physics and engineering, such as calculating the flow of a fluid through a surface, calculating the amount of heat transfer through a surface, and determining the total charge contained within a surface.

5. How is a surface integral related to a line integral?

A surface integral can be thought of as a generalization of a line integral. Just as a line integral calculates the flux of a vector field along a curve, a surface integral calculates the flux of a vector field over a surface. In fact, a line integral can be seen as a special case of a surface integral, where the surface is a curve in space.

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