Math 251

Calculus of Several
Variables
 Table of contents

Multivariable Calculus Partial Derivatives

A brief description of A brief description of partial
multivariable calculus derivatives

Petroleum Engineering and Applications The General Gas Law

of Partial Derivatives
Examples of partial derivatives and their An application of partial derivatives
efficacy in solving practical problems
01
Multivariable
Calculus
 Multivariable Calculus

● This branch of mathematics involves concepts such

● Multivariable calculus (also known as multivariate
as partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector
calculus) is the extension of calculus in one variable
calculus, which are crucial for analyzing systems that
to calculus with functions of several variables: the
depend on multiple independent variables
differentiation and integration of functions
involving multiple variables (multivariate), rather
than just one.

● Multivariable calculus extends the principles of

calculus to functions of several variables, enabling
the exploration of more complex and realistic
models in various fields.
02
Partial
Derivatives
 A comprehensive guide

Partial derivatives are a fundamental concept

in multivariable calculus, representing the
● They are essential tools for analyzing functions of
rate of change of a function with respect to
multiple variables, providing insights into how
one of its variables while keeping the other changes in one variable impact the overall system..
variables constant.

Change of f(x,y) with respect to x

Change of f(x,y) with respect to y

03
Petroleum Engineering and
the Application of Partial
Derivatives
 Petroleum Engineering and Partial
Derivatives
● In petroleum engineering, partial derivatives are
invaluable tools for analyzing and solving complex
problems where multiple variables influence
outcomes. These derivatives enable engineers to
understand how changes in individual variables
affect overall system behavior, which is crucial for
optimizing processes and improving efficiency.
● For example, consider the flow of oil through a
porous medium, which can be described by the
function 𝑃(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧,𝑡), 𝑃 representing the pressure at a
point (𝑥,𝑦,𝑧) at time 𝑡. The partial derivatives of 𝑃
with respect to spatial coordinates (𝑥,𝑦,𝑧) and time 𝑡
provide insights into how pressure changes spatially
and temporally.
 Petroleum Engineering and Partial
Derivatives
● Reservoir Simulation: Partial derivatives are used to
model fluid flow within the reservoir. The equations
governing these flows often involve partial
differential equations (PDEs), such as the diffusion
equation. By solving these PDEs, engineers can
predict how pressure and fluid saturation change
over time, allowing for better management of
extraction processes.
● Heat Transfer in Reservoirs: Thermal recovery
methods, such as steam injection, require knowledge
of how heat propagates through the reservoir. The
temperature distribution can be modeled using
partial derivatives to describe the heat flow and its
impact on fluid viscosity and mobility.
04
The General Gas
Law
 The General Gas Law

The general gas laws describe the relationships between pressure(𝑃), volume (𝑉), temperature (𝑇), and the
number of moles (𝑛) of a gas. These relationships can be explored and derived using partial derivatives,
particularly in the context of the Ideal Gas Law.

The Ideal Gas law is given by:

where 𝑅 is the universal gas constant.

To explore how changes in one variable affect the others, we can use partial derivatives.
The General Gas Law

Questions
1. Determine how pressure changes with respect to volume at a constant
temperature.
2. How does pressure change with respect to temperature at a constant volume?
3. Find the change in pressure with respect to both volume and temperature

4. Given n=1mole, R=8.314 j/(mol.k), initial conditions: P=100kpa, V=10L, T=300K

 The General Gas Law

1.

2.

3. .L
Thanks for your
Attention!
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