Various textbooks that I am currently consulting (including Spacecraft Dynamics and Control An Introduction - Anton H.J. De Ruiter | Christopher J. Damaren | James R. Forbes Section 1.4, page 32) use δ, not d or ∂ to express an infinitesimal quantity. In the context of the reference text above, the symbol is used as part of a general definition for the derivative of a vector. Specifically, given
→r=→FT1→r1
where
→FT1
is a vectrix
[→x1s→y1s→z1].
The time derivative of the vector is defined as
˙→r≜
In this context, what is the difference between \frac{\delta\mathbf{\vec{r}}}{\delta t} and \frac{d \mathbf{\vec{r}}}{d t} ?
Note about thermodynamic use of \delta: My understanding is that \delta is used in thermodynamic equations to express path dependence of a scalar quantity such as heat or work. What does it mean in the context of an abstract physical vector?
Answer
Typically, \frac{d}{d(\ldots)} is a (total) derivative, \frac{\partial}{\partial(\ldots)} is a partial derivative, and \frac{\delta}{\delta(\ldots)} is a functional/variational derivative. See also e.g. this & this Phys.SE posts and links therein.
In Ref. 1 the symbol \frac{d\mathbf{\vec{r}}}{d t} denotes the derivative, while \frac{\delta\mathbf{\vec{r}}}{\delta t} denotes the difference quotient. A more common notation for the latter is \frac{\Delta\mathbf{\vec{r}}}{\Delta t}.
References:
- A.H.J. De Ruiter, C.J. Damaren & J.R. Forbes, Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: An Introduction; Section 1.4, p. 32.
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