Complete vector field X => X defined on the whole manifold?

In summary, Isham claims that if X is a complete vector field, then V (defined as a local flow of X at a point p) can always be chosen to be the entire manifold M. However, he does not provide a proof for this claim. It may be possible to show that this claim follows from the definition of a complete vector field and the definition of V, but without further information it is difficult to determine.
  • #1
center o bass
560
2
According to Isham (Differential Geometry for Physics) at page 115 he claims:

"If X is a complete vector field then V can always be chosen to be the entire manifold M"

where V is an open subset of a manifold M. He leaves this claim unproved.
A complete vector field is a vector field which has integral curves defined on the whole of ##\mathbb{R}##. Does the claim somehow follow from the definition?
 
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  • #2
center o bass said:
According to Isham (Differential Geometry for Physics) at page 115 he claims:

"If X is a complete vector field then V can always be chosen to be the entire manifold M"

where V is an open subset of a manifold M. He leaves this claim unproved.
A complete vector field is a vector field which has integral curves defined on the whole of ##\mathbb{R}##. Does the claim somehow follow from the definition?

How is [itex]V[/itex] defined? [itex]M[/itex] is always an open subset of itself, but without knowing how [itex]V[/itex] relates to [itex]X[/itex] we really can't help you.
 
  • #3
pasmith said:
How is [itex]V[/itex] defined? [itex]M[/itex] is always an open subset of itself, but without knowing how [itex]V[/itex] relates to [itex]X[/itex] we really can't help you.

Isham defines it as follows:

"Let X be a vector field defined on an open subset U of a manifold M and let p be a point in U c M . Then a local flow of X at p is a local one-parameter group of local diffeomorphisms defined on some open subset V of U such that p ##\in## V c U and such that the vector field induced by this family is equal to the given field X ."
 

1. What is a vector field?

A vector field is a mathematical concept used to describe the behavior and properties of a vector quantity at different points in space. It assigns a vector to each point in a given space, and the combination of all these vectors creates a field that can be visualized as a set of arrows or lines.

2. What does it mean for a vector field to be complete?

A complete vector field is one that is defined on the entire manifold - a mathematical space that can be described using coordinates. This means that the vector field has a well-defined value at every single point in the space.

3. How is a complete vector field different from an incomplete one?

An incomplete vector field is one that is only defined on a subset of the manifold, meaning there are points in the space where the vector is not defined. In contrast, a complete vector field is defined on the entire manifold, making it a more comprehensive and useful concept in mathematical and scientific applications.

4. What are some examples of complete vector fields?

Some examples of complete vector fields include the gravitational field, which is defined at every point in space, and the electric field, which is also defined on the entire space. In physics, complete vector fields are often used to describe the behavior of forces and quantities in continuous systems.

5. How are complete vector fields used in scientific research?

Complete vector fields are essential tools in many areas of scientific research, particularly in physics and engineering. They are used to model and analyze the behavior of physical systems, to make predictions about the behavior of particles or materials, and to develop mathematical models that can be used to solve complex problems.

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