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1.3: Coordinate Systems

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    24772
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    The coordinate systems most commonly used in engineering analysis are the Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical systems. These systems are illustrated in Figures \(\PageIndex{1}\), \(\PageIndex{2}\), and \(\PageIndex{3}\), respectively. Note that the use of variables is not universal; in particular, it is common to encounter the use of \(r\) in lieu of \(\rho\) for the radial coordinate in the cylindrical system, and the use of \(R\) in lieu of \(r\) for the radial coordinate in the spherical system.

    m0180_fCartesianBasis.png Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Cartesian coordinate system ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri) m0180_fCylindricalCoordinates.png Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Cylindrical coordinate system. ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri) m0180_fSphericalCoordinates.png Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Spherical coordinate system. ( CC BY SA 4.0; K. Kikkeri)

    This page titled 1.3: Coordinate Systems is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Steven W. Ellingson (Virginia Tech Libraries' Open Education Initiative) .

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