Tensors and Fields (VS1) (U02560)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-3-VTensFlds

This course follows on from Foundations of Mathematical Physics but with a little more emphasis on physical applications. Topics covered include: revision of vectors, bases, determinants and tensors; the rotation and reflection tensors; general theory of Cartesian tensors; various applications including elasticity theory - stress and strain tensors; orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, grad, div and curl; the divergence and Stokes' theorem, Laplacians; delta functions; applications to electromagnetism: scalar potential theory, e.g. Gauss's Law, dipoles, multipole expansions, solutions of Laplace's & Poisson's equations.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U01371

? Pre-requisites : Year 2 Physics and Mathematics (it is recommended that students who intend on taking this course have obtained a minimum of 'C' in their Year 2 Physics and Mathematics courses).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy), (School of Physics and Astronomy, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2008	11:00	12:00	Lecture Theatre C, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	10:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	10:00	10:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course it is intended that a student will be able to:
1)be confident with the index notation and the Einstein summation convention
2)have a good working knowledge of matrices and determinants and be able to derive vector identities
3)understand the meaning and significance of tensors and their application to simple physical situations
4)understand and manipulate various orthogonal curvilinear co-ordinates
5)be familiar with the divergence and Stokes' theorem
6)appreciate the Dirac delta function
7)understand the meaning of a field and potential
8)apply the methods of solution of potential theory to various situations (mainly electrostatic)
9)to be able to apply what has been learnt in the course to solving new problems