Integration by parts in spacetime

In summary, the paper discusses integrating an integral on spacetime M by using Cauchy surface ##\Sigma## as a boundary to separate the space into two regions. The author uses integration by parts to evaluate the sum of the integrals on each region, taking advantage of the fact that ##\Sigma## is a boundary. The formula used is ##\int_\Sigma (\Phi \nabla_n \Psi - \Psi \nabla_n \Phi) d\Sigma##, with the Lie derivative along n. There is a rule for integration by parts with Lie derivatives, as it follows the Leibniz rule and the boundary does not contribute to the final result.
  • #1
naima
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we have p18 an integral on space time M. The author takes a 3 dimensional space like Cauchy surface ##\Sigma## which separates M in two regions, the future and the past of ##\Sigma##. He gets so the sum of two integrals on these regions. He writes then let us integrate each of them by parts. The fact that ##\Sigma## is a boundary for these regions is obvious. the vector n orthogonal to the boundary occurs in the result but i think that this uses the (- +++) metric. What is the formula used to integrate by parts in relativity?
 
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  • #2
This is not really a matter of "integration by parts in spacetime" or "in relativity", it is just "integration by parts", a mathematical technique. The idea of integration by parts is that [itex]\int u dv= uv- \int v du[/itex]. Here, the integrals are of the form [itex]\int f \psi dvol[/itex]. What they are doing is taking [itex]u= \psi[/itex] and [itex]dv= f dvol[/itex] while using the physics fact that a conservative force is the derivative of the potential energy function so [itex]v= E_n[/itex] and [itex]du= \nabla_n\psi[/itex].
 
  • #3
You can read that n is the future-pointing unit normal vector field on ##\Sigma##
How does n appear in the result (it needs the metric)?
Thanks
 
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  • #4
The result is
##\int_\Sigma (\Phi \nabla_n \Psi - \Psi \nabla_n \Phi) d\Sigma##
Here ##\nabla_n## is the Lie derivative along n.
Is there a rule for integation by parts with Lie derivatives?
 
  • #5
Lie derivative obeys to Leibniz rule so I think will be a integration by parts, if boundary doesn't contribute I think it is ## \int_{\Sigma}\Phi\nabla_{n}\Psi\,d\,\sigma=-\int_{\Sigma}\Psi\nabla_{n}\Phi\,d\,\Sigma##
 

1. What is integration by parts in spacetime?

Integration by parts in spacetime is a mathematical technique used in physics to solve integrals involving functions of both space and time. It is based on the concept of integration by parts in traditional calculus, but it takes into account the four-dimensional nature of spacetime.

2. How is integration by parts in spacetime different from traditional integration by parts?

In traditional integration by parts, the integral is evaluated in one dimension, either with respect to space or time. In integration by parts in spacetime, the integral is evaluated in four dimensions, taking into account both space and time. This allows for a more accurate and comprehensive solution to integrals involving functions of both space and time.

3. What are the benefits of using integration by parts in spacetime?

The main benefit of using integration by parts in spacetime is that it allows for a more accurate and comprehensive solution to integrals involving functions of both space and time. It also takes into account the curvature of spacetime, making it useful for solving problems in general relativity and other areas of physics.

4. When is it necessary to use integration by parts in spacetime?

Integration by parts in spacetime is necessary when solving integrals involving functions of both space and time, especially in problems in physics that require a more accurate solution. It is also useful in cases where traditional integration by parts fails to provide a solution.

5. Are there any limitations to integration by parts in spacetime?

Integration by parts in spacetime can be complex and time-consuming, and may not always yield a solution. It is also limited in its application to problems involving functions of both space and time, and may not be applicable to other types of integrals. However, when used correctly, it can provide a more accurate and comprehensive solution to integrals in physics.

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