Surface and

Volume Integrals

29.2

Introduction
A vector or scalar eld - including one formed from a vector derivative (div, grad or curl) - can be
integrated over a surface or volume. This Section shows how to carry out such operations.

Prerequisites
Before starting this Section you should . . .

be familiar with vector derivatives

be familiar with surface and volume integrals




Learning Outcomes
On completion you should be able to . . .




carry out operations involving integrations of

vector elds

34


HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

1. Surface integrals involving vectors

The unit normal
For the surface of any three-dimensional shape, it is possible to nd a vector lying perpendicular to
the surface and with magnitude 1. The unit vector points outwards from the surface and is usually
denoted by n
.

Example 16
If S is the surface of the sphere x2 + y 2 + z 2 = a2 nd the unit normal n
.

Solution
The unit normal at the point (x, y, z) points away from the centre of the sphere i.e. it lies in
the direction of xi + yj + zk. To make this a unit vector it must be divided by its magnitude


x2 + y 2 + z 2 i.e. the unit vector
x

n
=

x2 + y 2 + z 2
x
y
z
=
i+ j+ k
a
a
a


where a = x2 + y 2 + z 2

i+

z
j+

k
x2 + y 2 + z 2
x2 + y 2 + z 2

k
y

j
i

Figure 6

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

35

Example 17
For the cube 0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1, nd the unit normal n
for each
face.

Solution
On the face given by x = 0, the unit normal points in the negative x-direction. Hence the unit
normal is i. Similarly :On the face x = 1 the unit normal is i.
On the face y = 0 the unit normal is j.
On the face y = 1 the unit normal is j.
On the face z = 0 the unit normal is k.
On the face z = 1 the unit normal is k.

dS and the unit normal

The vector dS is a vector, being an element of the surface with magnitude dudv and direction perpendicular to the surface.
dudv = kdxdy.
If the plane in question is the Oxy plane, then dS = n
If the plane in question is not one of the three coordinate planes (Oxy, Oxz, Oyz), appropriate
adjustments must be made to express dS in terms of two of dx and dy and dz.

Example 18
The rectangle OABC lies in the plane z = y (Figure 7). The vertices are O =
(0, 0, 0), A = (1, 0, 0), B = (1, 1, 1) and C = (0, 1, 1). Find a unit vector n

normal to the plane and an appropriate vector dS expressed in terms of dx and

dy.

z
y
B

E
O

Figure 7
36

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Solution

Note that two vectors in the rectangle are OA = i and OC = j + k. A vector perpendicular to the

plane is i (j + k) = j + k. However, this vector is of magnitude 2 so the unit normal vector

1
1
1
is n
= (j + k) = j + k.
2
2
2
1
1
The vector dS is therefore ( j + k)dudv where du and dv are increments in the plane of the
2
2
rectangle OABC. Now, one increment, say du, may point in the x-direction while

dv will point in a
direction up the plane, parallel to OC. Thus
du = dx and (by Pythagoras) dv = (dy)2 + (dz)2 .
However, as z = y, dz = dy and hence dv = 2dy.

1
1
Thus, dS = ( j + k)dx 2dy = (j + k)dxdy.
2
2

Note :- the factor of 2 could also have been found by comparing the area of rectangle OABC,
1
i.e. 1, with the area of its projection in the Oxy plane i.e. OADE with area .
2

Integrating a scalar field

A function can be integrated over a surface in a manner similar to that shown in
28.1 and
28.2. Often, such integrals can be carried out with respect to an element containing the unit
normal.

Example 19
Evaluate the integral


A

1
dS
1 + x2

over the area A where A is the square 0 x 1, 0 y 1, z = 0.

Solution
In this integral, S becomes kdxdy i.e. the unit normal times the surface element. Thus the integral
is
 1 
 1  1
1
k
1
k tan x dy
dxdy =
2
0
y=0 x=0 1 + x
y=0
 1
 1 

1

dy
k( 0) dy = k
=
4
4 y=0
0
y=0

=
k
4

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

37

Example
20

udS where u = r2 = x2 + y 2 + z 2 and S is the surface of the unit cube

Find
S

0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1.

Solution
The unit cube has six faces and the unit normal vector n
points in a dierent direction on each face.
The surface integral must be evaluated for each face separately and the results summed.
On the face x = 0, the unit normal n
= i and the surface integral is
1
 1 
 1  1
1 3
2
2
2
2
(0 + y + z )(i)dzdy = i
dy
y z+ z
3
y=0 z=0
y=0
z=0

1

 1 
1
2
1 3 1
2
dy = i y + y = i
= i
y +
3
3
3 0
3
y=0
On the face x = 1, the unit normal n
= i and the surface integral is
1
 1  1
 1 
1 3
2
2
2
2
(1 + y + z )(i)dzdy = i
dy
z+y z+ z
3
y=0 z=0
y=0
z=0

1

 1 
4
5
1 3 4
2
= i
dy = i y + y = i
y +
3
3
3 0 3
y=0
The net contribution from the faces x = 0 and x = 1 is 23 i + 53 i = i.
Due to the symmetry of the scalar eld u and the unit cube, the net contribution from the faces
y = 0 and y = 1 is j while the net contribution
from the faces z = 0 and z = 1 is k.

The sum i.e. the surface integral

udS = i + j + k
S

Key Point 4
A scalar function integrated with respect to a unit normal gives a vector quantity.

When the surface does not lie in one of the planes Oxy, Oxz, Oyz, extra care must be taken when
nding dS.

38

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Example
21

Find

f dS where f is the function 2x and S is the surface of the triangle

S

bounded by (0, 0, 0), (0, 1, 1) and (1, 0, 1). (See Figure 8.)

z
Area

3
2

x
Area

1
2

Figure 8
Solution
The unit vector n is perpendicular to two vectors in the plane e.g. (j + k) and (i + k). The vector

(j + k) (i + k) = i + j k and has magnitude 3. Hence the normal vector n

= 13 i + 13 j 13 k.

As the area of the triangle is 23 and the area of its projection in the Oxy plane is 12 , the vector

3/2
dS =
n
dydx = (i + j + k)dydx.
1/2
Thus
 1  1x

f dS = (i + j + k)
2x dydx
x=0
1


= (i + j + k)

y=0

1x
dx

2xy
x=0
 1

y=0

(2x 2x2 )dx

x=0

1
2 3
1
2
= (i + j + k) x x
= (i + j + k)
3
3
0

= (i + j + k)

The scalar function being integrated may be the divergence of a suitable vector function.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

39

Example
22

( F )dS where F = 2xi + yzj + xyk and S is the surface of the

Find
S

triangle with vertices at (0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 0) and (1, 1, 0).

Solution
Note that F = 2 + z = 2 as z = 0 everywhere along S. As the triangle lies in the Oxy plane,
the normal vector n = k and dS = kdydx.
Thus,

 1  x
 1  x
 1
 1
( F )dS =
2dydxk =
2xdxk = x2 = k
2y dxk =
x=0

y=0



Task

Evaluate the integral

4x dS where S represents the trapezium with vertices

S

at (0, 0), (3, 0), (2, 1) and (0, 1).

(a) Find the vector dS:
Your solution
Answer
k
(b) Write the surface integral as a double integral:
Your solution

Answer
 1  3y
4x dxdyk
y=0

x=0

(c) Evaluate this double integral:

Your solution

40

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Answer
38
k
3

Exercises


1. Evaluate the integral

xydS where S is the triangle with vertices at (0, 0, 4), (0, 2, 0) and
S

(1, 0, 0).


xyzdS where S is the surface of the unit cube 0 x 1, 0 y 1,

2. Find the integral

S

0 z 1.



3. Evaluate the integral

(x2 i + yzj + x2 yk) dS where S is the rectangle with vertices

at (1, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1) and (1, 0, 1).

Answers 1.

8
4
2
i+ j+ k
3
3
3

2.

1
(x + y + z),
4

3.

5
i
2

Integrating a vector field

In a similar manner to the case of a scalar eld,
a vector eld may be integrated over a surface.

Two common integrals are
F (r) dS and
F (r) dS which integrate to a scalar and a vector
S

respectively. Again, when dS is expressed appropriately, the expression will reduce to a double
integral.

Example 23
Evaluate the integral

(x2 yi + zj + (2x + y)k) dS
A

over the area A where A is the square 0 x 1, 0 y 1, z = 0.

Solution
On A, the unit normal is dxdyk so the integral becomes

(x2 yi + zj + (2x + y)k) (k dxdy)
A
1
 1  1
 1 
2
=
(2x + y) dxdy =
dy
x + xy
y=0
1

x=0

y=0

1

1 2
3
(1 + y)dy = y + y
=
2
2
y=0
0

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

x=0

41

Example
 24
r dS where A represents the surface of the unit cube 0 x 1,

Evaluate
A

0 y 1, 0 z 1 and r represents the vector xi + yj + zk .

Solution
The vector dS (in the direction of the normal vector) will be a constant vector on each face but will
be dierent for each face.
On the face x = 0 (left), dS = dydzi and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(0i + yj + zk) (dydzi) =
0 dydz = 0
z=0

y=0

z=0

y=0

Similarly on the face y = 0 (front), dS = dxdzj and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(xi + 0j + zk) (dxdzj) =
0 dxdz = 0
z=0

x=0

z=0

x=0

Furthermore on the face z = 0 (bottom), dS = dxdyk and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(xi + yj + 0k) (dxdyk) =
0 dxdy = 0
x=0

y=0

x=0

y=0

On these three faces, the contribution to the integral is zero. However, on the face x = 1 (right),
dS = +dydzi and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(1i + yj + zk) (+dydzi) =
1 dydz = 1
z=0

y=0

z=0

y=0

(using the techniques of double integration from

27.)

Similarly, on the face y = 1 (back), dS = +dxdzj and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(xi + 1j + zk) (+dxdzj) =
1 dxdz = 1
z=0

x=0

z=0

x=0

and nally,on the face z = 1 (top), dS = +dxdyk and the integral on this face is
 1  1
 1  1
(xi + yj + 1k) (+dxdyk) =
1 dxdy = 1
y=0

x=0

y=0

x=0


r dS = 0 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 3

Adding together the contributions from the various faces gives

A

42

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Engineering Example 4
Magnetic flux
Introduction



The magnetic ux through a surface is given by

BdS where S is the surface under consideration,

S

B is the magnetic eld and dS is the vector normal to the surface.

Problem in words
The eld generated by an innitely long vertical wire on the z-axis is given by
B=

0 I
2

yi + xj
x2 + y 2

Find the ux through a rectangular region (with sides parallel to the axes) on the plane y = 0.
Mathematical statement of problem

B dS over the surface, x1 x x2 , z1 z z2 . (see the accompanying
Find the integral
S

diagram which shows part of the plane y = 0 for which the ux is found and a single magnetic eld
line. The strength of the eld is inversely proportional to the distance from the axis.)

z
z2
z1

y
x1

x2

Figure 9
Mathematical analysis
0 I
0 I
and
dS = dx dz j so B dS =
On y = 0, B =
j
dx dz and the ux is given by
2x
2x
the double integral
 z 2  x2
 z2 
 x2
0 I
0 I
dx dz =
ln x
dz
2 z=z1
x1
z=z1 x=x1 2x
 z2 

0 I
ln x2 ln x1 dz
=
2 z=z1
 
  z2
0 I
x2
0 I 
=
z ln x2 ln x1
(z2 z1 ) ln
=
2
2
x1
z=z1

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

43

Interpretation
The magnetic ux increases in direct proportion to the extent of the side parallel to the axis (i.e.
along the z-direction) but logarithmically with respect to the extent of the side perpendicular to the
axis (i.e. along the x-axis).

Example 25
2



F dS where S is the part of the plane

If F = x i + y j + z k, evaluate
z = 0 bounded by x = 1, y = 1.

Solution



 i j

k




 2 2

F dS =  x y
z 2  = y 2 dxdyi x2 dxdyj and




 0 0 dxdy 
 1  1
2
y dxdyi
x2 dxdyj

Here dS = dxdyk and hence



F dS =
S

y=1

The integral
 1 

x=1

y=1

x=1
1

1

x=1

y=1

2
dy =
2y dy = y 3
y x
3
y=1
x=1
2

y dxdy =
y=1

1

=
1

4
3

4
x2 dxdy = .
Similarly
3
  y=1 x=1
4
4
Thus
F dS = i j
3
3
S

Key Point 5

F (r) dS evaluates to a scalar.

(a) An integral of the form

S

F (r) dS evaluates to a vector.

(b) An integral of the form

S

The vector function involved may be the gradient of a scalar or the curl of a vector.

44

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Example
 26
().dS where = x2 + 2yz and S is the area between y = 0 and

Integrate
S

y = x2 for 0 x 1 and z = 0. (See Figure 10.)

y

Figure 10
Solution
Here = 2xi + 2zj + 2yk and dS = k dydx. Thus ().dS = 2ydydx and




x2

().dS =

2y dydx
x=0

y=0

x2

y


x=0

1 5
x
5

=
0

x4 dx
x=0

y=0

1

dx =
1
5


F dS, non-Cartesian coordinates e.g. cylindrical polar or spherical

For integrals of the form

S

polar coordinates may be used. Once again, it is necessary to include any scale factors along with
the unit normal.

Example 27

Using cylindrical polar coordinates, (see

F (r) dS

28.3), nd the integral

S

for F = z + z sin2
z and S being the complete surface (including ends) of the
cylinder a, 0 z 1. (See Figure 11.)
z

z=1

=a

Figure 11
HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

45

Solution


F (r) dS must be evaluated separately for the curved surface and the ends.

The integral
S

For the curved surface, dS = addz (with the a coming from the scale factor for and the fact
that = a on the curved surface.) Thus, F dS = a2 z ddz and
 a  2

F (r) dS =
a2 z ddz
S
z=0 =0

a
 a
2
2 1 2
= 2a
z
z dz = 2a
= a4
2
z=0
0
On the bottom, z = 0 so F = 0 and the contribution to the integral is zero.
On the top, z = 1 and dS = z dd and F dS = z sin2 dd = h sin2 dd and
 a  2

F (r) dS =
h sin2 dd
=0 =0
S
 a
1
d = ha2
= h
2
=0

1
h
So
F (r) dS = a4 + ha2 = a2 (a2 + )
2
2
S

Engineering Example 5
The current continuity equation
Introduction
When an electric current ows at a constant rate through a conductor, then the current continuity
equation states that

J dS = 0
S

where J is the current density (or current ow per unit area) and S is a closed surface. The equation
is an expression of the fact that, under these conditions, the current ow into a closed volume equals
the ow out.
Problem in words
A person is standing nearby when lightning strikes the ground. Find the voltage between the feet of
the person.
46

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Figure 12
Mathematical statement of problem
(a) Find the currentJ at a distance r from the strike by integrating the current over the
J dS
hemisphere I =
S

I
(b) Find the eld E from the equation E = 2 where E = |E| and I is the current.
2 r
 R2
(c) Find V from the integral
E dr
R1

Mathematical analysis
Imagine a hemisphere of radius r level with the surface of the ground so that the point of lightning
strike is at its centre. By symmetry, the pattern of current ow from the point of strike will be
uniform radial lines, and the magnitude of J will be a constant, i.e. over the curved surface of the
hemisphere J = J r.
Since the amount of current entering the hemisphere is I, then it follows that the current leaving
must be the same i.e.

J dS
(where Sc is the curved surface of the hemisphere)
I =
Sc

(J r) (dS r)
=
Sc

dS
= J
Sc
2

= 2r J
since the surface area of a sphere is 4r2 . Therefore
I
2r2
Note that if the current density J is uniformly radial over the curved surface, then the electric eld
E must be also, i.e. E = E r. Using Ohms law
J=

J = E

or

E = J

where = conductivity = 1/. Hence

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

47

I
2r2
The voltage dierence between two points at radii R1 and R2 from the lightning strike is found by
integrating E between them, so that
 R2
V =
E dr
E=

R1
R2


=

E dr
R1

I
=
2




R2

R1

dr
r2
R2

I 1
2 r R1


I
1
1
=

2 R1 R2
=

I
=
2

R2 R1
R1 R 2



Interpretation
Suppose the lightning strength is 10,000 A, the person is 12 m away with feet 0.35 m apart, and
the resistivity of the ground is 80 m. Clearly, the worst case (i.e. maximum voltage) would occur
when the dierence between R1 and R2 is greatest, i.e. R1 =12 m and R2 =12.35 m which would be
the case if both feet were on the same radial line. The voltage produced under these circumstances
is


I 1
1
V =

2 R1 R2


80 10000 1
1
=

2
12 12.35
= 300 V

Task

For F = (x2 + y 2 )i + (x2 + z 2 )j + 2xzk and S being the rectangle

bounded by

(1, 0, 1), (1, 0, 1), (1, 0, 1) and (1, 0, 1) nd the integral
F dS
S

Your solution

Answer

(x2 + z 2 ) dxdz =

dS = dxdzj
1

48

8
3

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Task

For F = (x2 + y 2 )i + (x2 + z 2 )j + 2xzk and S being the rectangle bounded by

(1, 0, 1), (1, 0, 1), (1, 0, 1) and
 (1, 0, 1) (i.e. the same F and S as in the
F dS

previous Task), nd the integral

S

Your solution

Answer
 1  1

4
(x + 0)k dxdz = k
3
1
2

(2xz)i +
1

Exercises



dS for = x2 z sin y and S being the rectangle bounded by

1. Evaluate the integral

S

(0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 1), (1, , 1) and (0, , 0).


2. Evaluate the integral
( F ) dS where F = xey i + zey j and S represents the unit
S

square 0 x 1, 0 y 1.


F dS where F = r cos
r and S

3. Using spherical polar coordinates, evaluate the integral

is the curved surface of the top half of the sphere r = a.

2. (e 1)j,
Answers 1. ,
3. a3
3

2. Volume integrals involving vectors

Integrating a scalar function of a vector over a volume is essentially the same procedure as in
27.3. The volume element dV may be considered as dxdydz. However, the scalar function may be
the divergence of a vector functions.

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

49

Example 28
Integrate F over the unit cube 0 x 1, 0 y 1, 0 z 1 where F is
the vector function x2 yi + (x z)j + 2xz 2 k.

Solution

(x y) +
(x z) + (2xz 2 ) = 2xy + 4xz
x
y
z
The integral is
1
 1  1 
 1  1  1
2
(2xy + 4xz)dzdydx =
dydx
2xyz + 2xz
F =

x=0
1

y=0
1

x=0
 1

y=0

3
3xdx = x2
2
x=0

x=0

1
=
0

x=0

y=0

1

xy 2 + 2xy

(2xy + 2x) dydx =

=
=

z=0

dx
0

3
2

Key Point 6
The volume integral of a scalar function (including the divergence of a vector) is a scalar.

Task
2
2

Using spherical
 polar
 coordinates and the vector eld F = r r+r sin , evaluate

F dV over the sphere given by r a.

the integral
V

Your solution

Answer

F = 4r + 2r cos ,

{(4r + 2 cos )r2 sin } dddr = 4a4

r=0

50

=0

=0

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Exercises



F dV when F is the vector eld yzi+xyj and V is the unit cube 0 x 1,

1. Evaluate
V

0 y 1.


2

F dV

2. For the vector eld F = (x y+sin z)i+(xy +e )j+(z +x )k, nd the integral
V

where V is the volume inside the tetrahedron bounded by x = 0, y = 0, z = 0 and x+y+z = 1.

Answers 1.

1
,
2

1
20

2.

Integrating a vector function over a volume integral is similar but care should be taken with the
various components. It may help to think in terms of a separate volume integral for each component.
The vector function may be of the form f or F .

Example 29
Integrate the function F = x2 i+2j over the prism given by 0 x 1, 0 y 2,
0 z (1 x). (See Figure 13.)
z
y
2

Figure 13
Solution
The integral is


1x

(x i + 2j)dzdydx =
x=0
 1

y=0
 2

=
x=0
1

z=0

x zi + 2zj
x=0

1x
2

y=0

x (1 x)i + 2(1 x)j dydx =

2

y=0

x=0

dydx
z=0


(x2 x3 )i + (2 2x)j dydx

y=0


1
 2

2 3 1 4
3
2
(2x 2x )i + (4 4x)j dx = ( x x )i + (4x 2x )j
=
3
2
x=0
0
1
=
i + 2j
6


HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

51

Example 30
2


( F )dV where V is the volume under the

For F = x yi + y j evaluate
V

plane z = x + y + 2 (and above z = 0) for 1 x 1, 1 y 1.

Solution


 i
j
k





F = 
 x y z

 2
 x y y2 0
so

( F )dV







 = x2 k







x+y+2

(x2 )kdzdydx

=
x=1
1

y=1
1

z=0

x+y+2
2

(x )zk

=
x=1
 1

y=1
 1

x=1
1

y=1

dydx
z=0

x x2 y 2x2 dydxk

1

1 2 2
3
2
=
dxk
x y x y 2x y
2
x=1
y=1

1
 1


1 4 4 3
8
3
2
=
k= k
2x 0 4x dxk = x x
2
3
3
x=1
1


z
(1, 1, 4)

(1, 1, 0)

(1, 1, 0)
x
(1, 1, 0)

(1, 1, 0)

Figure 14

52

HELM (2005):
Workbook 29: Integral Vector Calculus

Key Point 7
The volume integral of a vector function (including the gradient of a scalar or the curl of a vector)
is a vector.

Task

F dV for the case where F = xi + y 2 j + zk and V is the

Evaluate the integral

V

cube 1 x 1, 1 y 1, 1 z 1.
Your solution

Answer
 1 
x=1

y=1

8
(xi + y 2 j + zk)dzdydx = j
3
z=1

Exercises
1. For f = x2 + yz, and V beingthe
 volume bounded by y = 0, x + y = 1 and x + y = 1 for
1 z 1, nd the integral
(f )dV .
V

( F )dV for the case where F = xzi + (x3 + y 3 )j 4yk and V is

2. Evaluate the integral

V

the cube 1 x 1, 1 y 1, 1 z 1.
Answers
2
1. k,
3
2. 32i + 8k

HELM (2005):
Section 29.2: Surface and Volume Integrals

53