Vector_Analysis03.pptVIP

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Gradient How do you know that Grad(T) points to the direction of greatest change? We know that Let’s fix the distance, dl, and vary its directions. When is parallel to , dT reaches its maximum. The Gradient How do we understand Gradient? Use a two-variable function to describe the height of a hill: . For each point on the ground there is a corresponding height value. The bottom part of the diagram shows some contour lines with a straight line running through the location of the maximum value. The curve at the top represents the values along that straight line. The Gradient Understanding of Gradient Walk the same distance in various directions The direction of Gradient gives you the biggest change in height * Define a new operator: del The Del operator The Gradient of T: does not multiply T; rather, it act upon T. It is an instruction to differentiate what follows. Del operator and vector share a lot in common, but it is not a vector. can “multiply” (act upon) another vector (function) has no specific meaning. is not meaningful. * The Del operator Properties of del operator: Without a specific meaning until acting upon a function Not a vector in the usual sense, but a vector operator Mimic the behavior of an ordinary vector in almost every way Only act upon (“multiply”) the function right to it * An ordinary vector can multiply in three ways: The Del operator Multiply a scalar : Multiply (dot) another vector : Multiply (cross) another vector : Correspondingly, can act in three ways: On a scalar function : On (dot) a vector function : On (cross) a vector function : We have already seen the gradient. In the following slides we examine the other two vector derivatives: divergence and curl. The Divergence The definition Divergence of a vector function measures the magnitu