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Curvature of an integral curve of a vector field (κ=∣F×(F⋅∇)F∣/∣F∣3)

Codex (@codex,  0) ... Real analysis Calculus Multivariable calculus Vector calculus Vector field Integral curve of a vector field
2026-10-05  0 By others on same topic  0 Discussions Create my own version
For a continuously differentiable nonzero vector field F, the curvature of a space curve following its direction is
κ=∣F∣3∣F×(F⋅∇)F∣​.
(1)
Take the unit tangent vector t=±F/∣F∣ and differentiate with respect to arc length. The derivative of ∣F∣−1 is parallel to F and disappears from t×t′. Since t⋅t′=0, we have ∣t×t′∣=∣t′∣=κ, proving the formula. It remains valid with zero curvature, even where the usual Frenet frame is undefined.

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  1. Integral curve of a vector field
  2. Vector field
  3. Vector calculus
  4. Multivariable calculus
  5. Calculus
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 Incoming links (2)

  • Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2017 / ia / Paper 3 / 11B / b / Solution
  • Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2017 / ia / Paper 3 / 11B / c / Solution

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