Multivariable Calculus (N2)
Module Notes
Module Details
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
- Have a good understanding of the knowledge of the basic applied mathematics for engineers, within the wide area of the differential and integral calculus of many variables, which is adequate to his/her science.
- Know the new notions in the form of definitions and theorems that concern the basic contents of the course "Multivariable Calculus", in order to be able to apply them.
- Combine and make worthy of the knowledge that he/she acquired to other fields of the theoretical and applied mathematics, in which certain notions and principles of the present course are necessary and useful.
At the end of the course the student will have further developed the following skills and competences:
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential concepts, principles and applications that are related to the differential and integral calculus of many variables.
- Ability to apply such knowledge to the solution of problems in other fields of the wide conception of theoretical and applied mathematics, related to the science of Chemical Engineering, or to the solution of multidisciplinary problems.
- Study skills needed for continuing profession development.
There are no prerequisite courses. It is, however, recommended that students should have the basic knowledge of the differential and integral calculus of one variable, which they were taught to the corresponding course "Single Variable Calculus".
Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinates in space. Cylindrical surfaces and second degree surfaces. Functions of many variables, limit, continuity, partial derivative of first or higher order of functions and geometrical meaning, derivation rules and Schwartz theorem. Total differential and the conception of differentiation. Composite functions and homogeneous equations, complex forms and basic existence theorems. Jacobian determinant and functional dependence. Taylor and Maclaurin mean value theorems. Extremities of functions and bounded extremities, Lagrange multipliers. Vectors in space, inner, exterior, mixed product and geometrical meaning, double-exterior and tensor product, vector analysis. Limit, continuity and derivative of vector functions of many variables. Elements of the differential geometry of curves in space. Position vector of particle, vector velocity and acceleration, unit tangential vector of curve in space. Orthogonal coordinate system or trihedral Frenet-Serret, curvature and turning of curve. Gradient or grade of scalar and vector functions, divergence and rotation or swirling of vector functions, physical meaning and basic vector identities. Curvilinear coordinate systems, vector meaning of Jacobian determinant, special orthogonal and curvilinear coordinates, transformations and change of coordinates. Laplace differential operator, harmonic functions and partial differential equations of Helmholtz, wave and diffusion. Irrotational and solenoidal fields, Helmholtz decomposition theorem, directional derivative. Applications of partial derivatives to geometry, tangential plane and perpendicular straight line to surface, tangential straight line and perpendicular plane to curve. Multiple integration of functions, double and triple integrals, change of coordinate system and applications to the calculation of plane surface areas, of volumes of three-dimensional domains, of mass, of moments of inertia and of gravity center. Curve integrals of the first and of the second kind, application to the calculation of the force work and Green theorem for the plane. The meaning of the circulation of vector functions, curve integrals independent of the root of integration and applications. Surface integrals and surface parameterization, application to the calculation of the area of arbitrary surface in space. Gauss and Stokes or Green for the space integral theorems and their physical meaning.
Use of web pages and e-class.
- Teaching (4 hours/week): lectures using blackboard of the theory and its application to typical mathematical problems of Chemical Engineering.
- Recitation (2 hours/week): solving on the blackboard exercises concerning mainly mathematical applications of the science of Chemical Engineering.
Total Module Workload (ECTS Standards):
The instruction language is Greek and the evaluation includes optional exercise series and written or / and oral examination (100% of final mark).
- R.A. Adams and C. Essex, "Infinitesimal and Vector Calculus" (general editing & translation P. Vafeas, V. Kalantonis, A. Perdiou), Broken Hill Publishers Ltd, Nicosia, 2023 (Eudoxos / code 122074325).
- R. Larson and B. Edwards, "Infinitesimal Calculus and Vector Analysis" (general editing & translation A. Perdiou, V. Kalantonis, P. Vafeas), Broken Hill Publishers Ltd, Nicosia, 2026 (Eudoxos / code 143553060).
- P.M. Hatzikonstantinou, "Mathematical Methods for Engineers and Scientists: Calculus of Functions with Many Variables & Vector Analysis", Gotsis Publications, Patras, 2017 (Eudoxos / code 68381163).