1
$\begingroup$

I'm want to know how are the transformations of the operators $\mathbf\nabla$ and $\partial/\partial and $\partial/\partial t$ when the transformation of the Galilean relativity is applied.

This is what I've tried:

Galilean Transformation \begin{cases} \mathbf {r}' = \mathbf r - \mathbf Vt \\ t'=t \end{cases}

The "total differential" operator can be written like this $$ d=\partial_xdx+\partial_ydy+\partial_zdz+\partial_tdt$$ or more compactly

\begin{equation} \label{eq:d_operator_K} d=\mathbf\nabla\cdot d\mathbf r +\partial_tdt \end{equation} Since $\mathbf r=\mathbf r'+\mathbf Vt$, then

\begin{align*} d\mathbf r & = d\mathbf r' + d(\mathbf V t) \\ & = d\mathbf r' + t\,d\mathbf V + V\,dt \end{align*} The velocity $\mathbf V$ is constant, so the differential $d\mathbf V$$ is zero.

\begin{equation} \label{eq:diferentials} \begin{cases} d\mathbf r = d\mathbf r' + \mathbf V dt \\ dt=dt' \end{cases} \end{equation} Substituting the differential above into the total differential operator, gives

\begin{align} \label{eq:d_operator} d &= \mathbf\nabla\cdot \left(d\mathbf r' + \mathbf V dt\right) +\partial_t dt \\ & = \mathbf\nabla\cdot d\mathbf r' + \left(\mathbf V dt +\partial_t\right)dt \end{align} The same $d$ operator, in terms of the moving coordinate system is written like this \begin{equation} \label{eq:d_operator_KK} d=\mathbf\nabla'\cdot d\mathbf r +\partial_{t'}dt' \end{equation}

Here is the doubt I think the operators $d$, no matter in which coordinete system are written, must to be equals. So I can match coefficients and get this $$\mathbf\nabla'\cdot d\mathbf r +\partial_{t'}dt=\mathbf\nabla\cdot d\mathbf r' + \left(\mathbf V dt +\partial_t\right)dt$$ \begin{equation} \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \mathbf\nabla' &=\mathbf\nabla \\ \partial_{t'}=&\mathbf\nabla + \mathbf V \partial_t \end{aligned} } \end{equation}

Can you tell me whether my argument is right or wrong?

And can you tell me some references where I can take a look about this topic?

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Your second equation in the box is clearly wrong as a scalar quantity is set equal to a vector. $\endgroup$
    – Jon
    Feb 12, 2018 at 12:47

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

It should be $$ \nabla'\cdot d{\bf r'}+dt'\partial_{t'}=\nabla\cdot(d{\bf r}+{\bf V}dt)+dt\partial_t = \nabla\cdot d{\bf r}+(\partial_t+{\bf V}\cdot\nabla)dt $$ and you get the Euler time derivative as it should.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Oh, yes. You are right, I didn't applied properly the distributive property. Do you know any references about this topic? $\endgroup$ Feb 12, 2018 at 14:23
  • $\begingroup$ I think a classical one is the Goldstein's book books.google.it/… $\endgroup$
    – Jon
    Feb 12, 2018 at 14:32

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.