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| Equivalently, test if the [[Calculus/Curl|curl]] of ''F'' is 0. |
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| === Identifying Gradient Function === | === Identifying the Field's Function === |
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=== Laplace Operator === [[Calculus/Divergence|Divergence]] of a conservative vector field ''F'' can be calculated as: {{attachment:laplace1.svg}} The ''∇^2^'' expression is the '''Laplace operator'''. |
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| A vector field is source-free if there is zero [[Calculus/Divergence|divergence]]. This means that there are no sources (points where the field originates) or sinks (points where the field terminates). A consequence is that, for any closed circular path ''C'', movement in is equal to movement out (flux is zero). | A vector field is source-free if there is zero [[Calculus/Divergence|divergence]]. This means that there are no sources (points where the field originates) or sinks (points where the field terminates). A consequence is that, for any closed curve or surface, there is zero [[Calculus/FluxIntegral|flux]]. To summarize, these are tests for a source-free field: * {{attachment:sourcefree1.svg}} * {{attachment:sourcefree2.svg}} for a smooth closed curve ''C'' * {{attachment:sourcefree3.svg}} for a vector field given as ''F=<P,Q>'' * {{attachment:sourcefree4.svg}} for a vector field given as ''F=<P,Q>'' If a vector field is source-free, there is at least one '''stream function''' ''g''. If the field is given as ''F=<P,Q>'', then ''g'' must satisfy: {{attachment:stream1.svg}} |
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| If vector field ''F'' is both conservative and source-free, then the function ''f'' that satisfies ''F = ∇f'' is '''harmonic'''. | If vector field ''F'' is both conservative and source-free, then it must be that ''∇^2^f = 0''. This is '''Laplace's equation''', and a function ''f'' satisfying it is '''harmonic'''. |
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| A harmonic function notably satisfies Laplace's equation (''f,,xx,, + f,,y,, = 0''). | ---- == Irrotational Fields == A vector field is '''irrotational''' if there is zero [[Calculus/Curl|curl]]. |
Vector Field
A vector field represents direction and magnitude at all points in a coordinate system.
Contents
Description
A vector field F is defined for some domain D and maps points to a vector. Generally the vectors have as many dimensions as the coordinate system. That is, a point (x,y) maps to a vector <P,Q>; a point (x,y,z) maps to a vector <P,Q,R>.
A vector field's domain can be characterized as simply connected, connected, or not connected.
Conservative Fields
A conservative field is path independent. That is, for all Ci that connect A to B and are entirely within D,
Cross-Partial Property of Conservative Fields
A conservative field must satisfy the cross-partial property.
In two dimensions the property specifies that, given F = <P(x,y), Q(x,y)>,
In three dimensions is specifies that, given F = <P(x,y,z), Q(x,y,z), R(x,y,z)>,
Equivalently, test if the curl of F is 0.
If the domain D is simply connected, then satisfying this property is enough to confirm that a vector field is conservative. Otherwise there are more edge cases to consider.
Identifying the Field's Function
if a vector field is conservative, then there exists at least one function f satisfying F = ∇f. There is a general process for identifying this function f.
As an example, consider a vector field given as F = <P(x,y), Q(x,y)>.
Integrate P with respect to x. This produces a function like g(x,y) + h(y) where h(y) is unknown, encompasses the constant C, and accounts for variation in all variables that were held constant for the partial integration.
Derive g(x,y) + h(y) with respect to y. This produces a function like gy(x,y) + h'(y).
Set gy(x,y) + h'(y) equal to Q(x,y) and solve for h'(y).
Integrate h'(y), solving for the actual h(y).
The gradient function is g(x,y) + h(y) + C.
Laplace Operator
Divergence of a conservative vector field F can be calculated as:
The ∇2 expression is the Laplace operator.
Source-Free Fields
A vector field is source-free if there is zero divergence. This means that there are no sources (points where the field originates) or sinks (points where the field terminates). A consequence is that, for any closed curve or surface, there is zero flux.
To summarize, these are tests for a source-free field:
for a smooth closed curve C 
for a vector field given as F=<P,Q> 
for a vector field given as F=<P,Q>
If a vector field is source-free, there is at least one stream function g. If the field is given as F=<P,Q>, then g must satisfy:
Conservative and Source-Free Fields
If vector field F is both conservative and source-free, then it must be that ∇2f = 0. This is Laplace's equation, and a function f satisfying it is harmonic.
Irrotational Fields
A vector field is irrotational if there is zero curl.