Cylindrical Coordinates
A 3D coordinate system combining 2D polar coordinates (r, θ) in the transverse plane with a linear vertical height axis z.
Governing formula
x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ, z = z
SI unit
m, rad, m
In depth
Cylindrical coordinates are ideal for physical systems exhibiting axial or rotational symmetry, such as fluid flow through pipes, solenoid magnetic fields, and wire current distributions.
Examples in the real world
Calculating magnetic fields inside a current-carrying cylindrical wire or stress in a rotating shaft.