Curl of tensor * non-constant vector

Thus, the equation curl(Tw)=curl(T)w is still true, regardless of the irrotational nature of w.In summary, the equation curl(Tw)=curl(T)w remains true even if w is an irrotational vector field. This is because the vector structure of the curl operator does not directly affect w, as it is contracted with one of the tensor indices. Index notation can be helpful in interpreting tensor equations.
  • #1
refind
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0
I know by definition that if T is a 2nd order tensor and v is a vector,
curl(Tv)=curl(T)v

but what if instead of constant vector v, I have w=grad(u), not constant but obviously an irrotational vector field. Is this still true:
curl(Tw)=curl(T)w ?

My guess is yes since curl(w)=0 but have no verification. Please advise. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Are you familiar with index notation? If not I suggest learning it because it will make your tensor equations much more straightforward to interpret.

To answer your question, the answer will not depend on curl(w). The vector structure of the curl operator is not directly affecting w, since the w is contracted with one of the tensor indices.
 

Related to Curl of tensor * non-constant vector

What is the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector?

The curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector is a mathematical operation that is used to determine the rotation or curl of a vector field. It is represented by the symbol ∇ × (T · v) and can be thought of as the rate of change of rotation of the vector field at a particular point.

How is the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector calculated?

The curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector is calculated by taking the cross product of the gradient of the tensor and the vector. This can be written as ∇ × (T · v) = (∇T) × v + T × (∇v).

What is the physical significance of the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector?

The physical significance of the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector is that it represents the amount of rotational force or torque that is acting on a small area or volume within the vector field. This is important in many areas of physics and engineering, such as fluid dynamics and electromagnetism.

How does the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector relate to the divergence of the tensor?

The curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector and the divergence of the tensor are related by the fundamental theorem of calculus, which states that the curl of a tensor is equal to the negative of the divergence of its dual. In other words, the curl and divergence are dual operations and can be used to describe different aspects of the same vector field.

Can the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector be non-zero?

Yes, the curl of a tensor multiplied by a non-constant vector can be non-zero. In fact, in most cases, it will be non-zero as it represents the rotation of a vector field. However, there are certain special cases where the curl will be zero, such as when the vector field is irrotational or when the tensor is symmetric.

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