ECE-MATH 313 Machine Problem 2

2nd Term, A.Y. 2014 – 2015

Arguelles, Ian Paulo E., Dacer, Georgette Sol S.
Section 3ECEF, Electronics Engineering Department
Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
ian.arguelles2096@gmail.com, georgettedacer@yahoo.com

Abstract— this machine problem aims to demonstrate the 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕

∇= 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧
writing, programming skill and analytical prowess of the 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
students. Grouped into 2 or 3 members each, the students will
create programs that will solve the machine problem questions The operator appears in different vector calculus
using any programming language. This machine problem operations such as the gradient, ∇𝑓, the divergence, ∇ ∙ 𝑉 ⃗ , the
covers the topic of vector calculus. The students of ECE-
⃗ 2
curl, ∇ × 𝑉 , and the laplacian, ∇ 𝑓. For this machine
MATH 313 are able to achieve the objectives of this machine
problem. The knowledge and mastery of the students about the problem, divergence and curl will be focused more.
said topic will be applied, together with the knowledge about The divergence of a vector gives a measure of the
programming, in this machine problem. Furthermore, quantity of flux emanating from any point of the vector field
camaraderie and teamwork are also developed in doing this or the rate of loss of mass, heat, etc., from it [3]. Therefore,
machine problem as students are randomly grouped with each divergence is zero when there is no “sink” or “source”. The
other. The machine problem will be documented and reported. curl of a vector, on the other hand, describes the infinitesimal
The main objective of the problem is to create a program that
rotation of the vector [4]. Therefore, the curl is zero when
will display the vector fields in 2 dimensions.
there is no rotation or turning whatsoever in the vector field.
Index Terms—Vector, Vector Fields, Divergence, Curl In vector calculus, there are four classifications of vector
⃗ = 0 and ∇ × 𝑉
fields: (1) ∇ ∙ 𝑉 ⃗ = 0, (2) ∇ ∙ 𝑉
⃗ ≠ 0 and ∇ ×
I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ⃗𝑉 = 0, (3) ∇ ∙ 𝑉⃗ = 0 and ∇ × 𝑉 ⃗ ≠ 0; and (4) ∇ ∙ 𝑉⃗ ≠ 0 and
A vector is a quantity having both magnitude and ⃗
∇ × 𝑉 ≠ 0.
direction such as displacement, velocity, force and
acceleration [1]. It is usually used to understand the
movement of a particle. Some examples of vectors are A. Question
displacement, velocity, force, acceleration, gravitational Graph the four vector fields below in two dimensions (x
fields, and electric fields. and y). Based on the graphs, determine the classification of
In vector calculus, a vector field is an assignment of a vector field that they fall under and support by theoretical
vector to each point in a subset of space [2]. calculations.
Vector calculus is an important topic in electronics B. Solution
engineering because it concerns electromagnetic fields,
signals, waves, and their range and propagation. This machine problem was solved using MATLAB,
Communication use the forms of different waves and signals. using the built-in functions meshgrid, quiver and gradient.
Antennas, radio towers, satellites are some devices and C. Results
machines that are used for global inter-communication. Table 1 displays the vector fields that are to be displayed
The high-level programming language, MATLAB, was in two dimensional form.
used to create programs that will perform the task required
for each question. Given the intended learning outcomes, this Table 1. Test values
machine problem caters to the development of the analytical Vector Fields 𝐴 = 0.5𝑎𝑥
and programming skills of the group in a way that they are
⃗ = 2𝑎𝜌
𝐵
supposed express the plots correctly, given a certain sample
input. Also, the group is able to demonstrate the writing 𝐶 = 3𝑎𝜑
skills through documentation, following a prescribed format. ⃗ = 3𝑎𝜌 + 2𝑎𝜑
𝐷
Output Graphs of the vector field
II. DISCUSSION OF QUESTION 1
The del operator, ∇, is used to perform operations on
vector fields. The operator is a collection of partial derivative
operators shown below:

1
 Figures 2.1 to 2.4 Graphs of the corresponding vector fields

When comparing the graphs the group obtained to the

graphs of the vector fields in the given template, all the plots
yielded the correct answers. Going back to theory, a graph of
vector field with a constant positive value of x is a series of
vectors going to the right, which one can observe in Figure
2.1. Figure 2.2 shows a graph of a vector field with a
constant positive value of rho. The graph is a series of
vectors emanating from the center, forming a circle of
infinite size. In Figure 2.3, the graph is circular. A graph of a
vector field with a constant positive value of phi makes a
series of vectors that follow a circular path. Lastly, a graph
of a vector field with a constant positive value of rho and phi
is the same as the previous graph, but as the field follows the
path, the radius also changes. This is why the graph of Figure
2.4 resembles a whirlpool.
When the abovementioned vector fields are classified,
Figure 2.1 shows a vector field with a divergence of 0 and a
curl of 0, since there obviously is no sink or source, and there
is no rotation. Figure 2.2 shows a vector field with a
divergence not equal to 0, but the curl is still 0, since there is
still no rotation. The vector field in Figure 2.3 is a series of
circles, so its curl is not equal to zero, but the divergence is
equal to zero, since there is no sink nor source in this vector
field. Lastly, in the last figure, there is an origin, and there is
also a rotation, so both divergence and curl is not equal to
zero.

III. DISTRIBUTION OF TASKS

For this machine problem, the group both gave their
input in coding the program. Ian Paolo Arguelles wrote for
the abstract, the background of the study, and a few other
parts found in discussion of question I. Georgette Sol Dacer
discussed the results and edited some parts of this machine
problem.
REFERENCES
[1] Vectors and Scalars [Online]. Available:
http://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/vectors_scalars.
htm
[2] Vector field [Online]. Available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_field
[3] Divergence meaning [Online]. Available: http://google.com
[4] Curl (mathematics) [Online]. Available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curl_%28mathematics%29

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%ArguellesDacer3ECEF

subplot(2,2,1) %figure 2.1

[x,y]=meshgrid(-6:1:6);
[FX,FY]=gradient(x);
quiver(x,y,FX,FY)

clear
[x,y]=meshgrid(-6:1:6); %figure 2.2
subplot(2,2,2)
quiver(x,y,x,y)

clear
[x,y]=meshgrid(-6:1:6); %figure 2.3
subplot(2,2,3)
quiver(y,-x,x,y)

clear
[x,y]=meshgrid(-6:1:6); %figure 2.4
subplot(2,2,4)
quiver(y,-x,x,y-x)