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Differential Operator

The differential operator ∇ is defined as the partial derivative with respect to x in the i direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to y in the j direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to z in the k direction. It can operate on scalar and vector fields. The gradient of a scalar field U, written as gradU or ∇U, is the differential operator applied to U and represents the steepest rate of increase of U at given points in three-dimensional space.

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Christine Perlada
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158 views4 pages

Differential Operator

The differential operator ∇ is defined as the partial derivative with respect to x in the i direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to y in the j direction, plus the partial derivative with respect to z in the k direction. It can operate on scalar and vector fields. The gradient of a scalar field U, written as gradU or ∇U, is the differential operator applied to U and represents the steepest rate of increase of U at given points in three-dimensional space.

Uploaded by

Christine Perlada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Differential Operator

Definition:

∇: del or nabla
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Differential Operator
Definition:
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Direction in the Cartesian Coordinates
Differential/Derivative

Can be operated on Scalar and Vector


Gradient
Definition:
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
grad𝑈 ≡ ∇𝑈 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
where:
𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is a scalar field
Gradient
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
∇𝑈 = 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Significance:
• Direction of gradient ∇𝑈 points in the direction of maximum increase of the function 𝑈
• Magnitude |∇𝑈| gives the slope (rate of increase) along this maximal direction

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