Exploring the concept of circulation in fluids and electromagnetic materials using Stokes’ theorem through diagrams

Abstract

Circulation of vector fields is vital to understand research problems in several areas such as fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, atmospheric sciences, and allied fields. Curl is the mathematical tool to describe circulation. Stokes’ Curl theorem involves the relation between surface integral and line integral. Authors have observed that undergraduate students seek clarity on application aspects of this theorem probably since the curl concept is generally discussed mathematically with less emphasis on physical visualization. An elaborate pictorial explanation is found to enable students to develop an appreciation for this concept. A pictorial method of interpreting Stokes’ theorem through diagrams involving real-time rotation situations is presented. It has been observed that this method of teaching arouses more questions, peer interactions, and contributes to imbibe application skills. The method that has been developed for the present study has never been studied and mentioned in any of the previous researches.