Tensor Definition and 1000 Threads

  1. DiracPool

    GR Metric Tensor Rank 2: Quadratic vs Shear Forces

    Is the metric tensor a tensor of rank two simply because the line element (or equivalent Pythagorean relation between differential distances) is "quadratic" in nature? This would be in opposition to say, the stress tensor being a tensor of rank two because it has to deal with "shear" forces. I...
  2. Alain De Vos

    Einstein Tensors and Energy-Momentum Tensors as Operators

    Can these tensor be seen as operators on two elements. So given two elements of something they produce something, for instance a scalar ?
  3. L

    Inertia tensor combination point mass-sphere

    Homework Statement hello, i want to calculate the inertia tensor of the combination of a point mass and a sphere in the object's frame, the center of mass is at the origin. The point mass remains at the surface of the phere The sphere is uniform, radius r and mass M, and the point mass has mass...
  4. W

    Construction of an affine tensor of rank 4

    Homework Statement In En the quantities Bij are the components of an affine tensor of rank 2. Construct two affine tensors each of rank 4, with components Cijkl and Dijkl for which ∑k ∑l Cijkl Bkl = Bij + Bji ∑k ∑l Dijkl Bkl = Bij - Bji are identities. Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  5. R

    Curl of tensor * non-constant vector

    I know by definition that if T is a 2nd order tensor and v is a vector, curl(Tv)=curl(T)v but what if instead of constant vector v, I have w=grad(u), not constant but obviously an irrotational vector field. Is this still true: curl(Tw)=curl(T)w ? My guess is yes since curl(w)=0 but have no...
  6. I

    Maxwell's Equations - Tensor form 2

    Homework Statement The Lorenz gauge ∂Φ/∂t + ∇. A = 0 enables the Maxwell equations (in terms of potentials) to be written as two uncoupled equations; ∂2Φ/∂t2 - ∇2Φ = ρ 1 and ∂2A/∂t2 - ∇2A = j 2 The tensor version using the Lorenz gauge is, i am told, ∂μ∂μ Aα = jα 3 expanded this is...
  7. CharlesJQuarra

    Einstein tensor of a gravitational source

    In section 4.4 of gravitational radiation chapter in Wald's general relativity, eq.4.4.49 shows the far-field generated by a variable mass quadrupole: \gamma_{\mu \nu}(t,r)=\frac{2}{3R} \frac{d^2 q_{\mu \nu}}{dt^2} \bigg|_{t'=t-R/c} I have the following field from a rotating binary...
  8. S

    Solving Electromagnetic Tensor & B-Field

    Hello, first off, I'm not sure if I put this question in the right place so sorry about that. Given Bi = 1/2 εijk Fjk how would you find F in terms of B? I think you multiply through by another Levi-Civita, but then I don't know what to do after that. Any help would much appreciated.
  9. EsmeeDijk

    Understanding Tensor Gradients in R3

    Homework Statement We have the following orthogonal tensor in R3: t_{ij} (x^2) = a (x^2) x_i x_j + b(x^2) \delta _{ij} x^2 + c(x^2) \epsilon_ {ijk} x_k Calculate the following quantities and simplify your expression as much as possible: \nabla _j t_{ij}(x) and \epsilon _{ijk} \nabla _i...
  10. EsmeeDijk

    Setting the trace of a tensor equal to zero

    Homework Statement A tensor t has the following components in a given orthonormal basis of R3 tij(x) = a(x2)xixj + b(x2) \deltaij x2 + c(x2) \epsilonijk xk (1) where the indices i,j,k = 1, 2, 3. We use the Einstein summation convention. We will only consider orthogonal transformations...
  11. N

    Tensor Product Functor & Einstein Eqns: Relation?

    At the risk of sounding ignorant I'd like to propose a question to someone well versed in Homological Algebra and General Relativity. I'm starting to study the tensor product functor in the context of category theory because I'm interested in possibly doing a paper on TQFT for a directed...
  12. T

    A Opposite "sides" of a surface - Differential Geometry.

    How, if at all, would differential geometry differ between the opposite "sides" of the surface in question. Simplest example: suppose you look at vectors etc on the outside of a sphere as opposed to the inside. Or a flat plane? Wouldn't one of the coordinates be essentially a mirror while...
  13. H

    Tensor & Matrix: Cartesian Vector & Transformation Rule?

    Each set of constant numbers such as ##(v_1, v_2, v_3)## are the components of a constant Cartesian vector because by rotation of coordinates they satisfy the transformation rule. Can we consider each set of constant arrays ## a_{ij};i,j=1,2,3 ## as components of a Cartesian tensor? In other...
  14. tomdodd4598

    Electromagnetic Tensor in (-+++) Convention

    Hi there, Over the last couple of weeks, I have been learning about the relativistic description of electromagnetism through Leonard Susskind's Theoretical Minimum lectures, and although I have managed to follow it, there are some parts which I am becoming increasingly confused by, not helped...
  15. P

    Are 10 dimensions related to the tensor of 3d

    I think I've read the the tensor in three dimensions has 10 elements in its matrix(?). Is this related to the 10 dimensions in some forms of string theory?
  16. A

    How optical axis is related to dielectric tensor?

    I want to know the relationship between the optical axis direction of a crystal and the dielectric constants in different directions in an anisotropic material.
  17. V

    Find Perfect Fluid & EM Tensor in Rest Frame

    we use perfect fluid which is characterized by a energy density and isotropic pressure for general forms of matter. When guessing the values of energy momentum tensor indices we can use the physical insight that they are the flux of four momentum in a constant surface of spacetime. The...
  18. Geofleur

    Example of an algebra tensor product

    On pages 67 & 68 of Hassani's mathematical physics book, he gives the following definition: "Let ## \mathcal{A} ## and ## \mathcal{B} ## be algebras. The the vector space tensor product ## \mathcal{A} \otimes \mathcal{B} ## becomes an algebra tensor product if we define the product ##...
  19. olgerm

    Tensor in D-dimensional space crosswise with 2 vectors

    I have 2 vectors ##\vec {V}=(v_1,v_2,v_3,v_4...v_D)## and ##\vec {X}=(x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4...x_D)## in D-dimensional euclidean space. I want a tensor ,which is crosswise with both of them. I think that the tensor is parallel with (D-2)-dimensional area, am I right? I do not know a lot about tensors...
  20. AwesomeTrains

    Question about the derivation of the energy momentum tensor

    Hey I'm trying to follow the derivation given here: http://lampx.tugraz.at/~hadley/ss1/studentpresentations/Bloch08.pdf Homework Statement As it says in the pdf: "Based on Noether's theorem construct the energy-momentum tensor for classical electromagnetism from the above Lagrangian. L=-1/4...
  21. ShayanJ

    Contracting Riemann tensor with itself

    In chapter 8 of Padmanabhan's "Gravitation: Foundations and Frontiers" titiled Black Holes, where he wants to explain that the horizon singularity of the Schwarzschild metric is only a coordinate singularity, he does this by trying to find a scalar built from Riemann tensor and show that its...
  22. N

    Singularity of spacetime/singularity of the riemanian tensor

    Hello, I have a question to the singularities of spacetime (where the metric tensor is infinite, but not the coordinate singularities which can be removed be a change of coordinate) It's easy to show that a singularity of the riemanian tensor scalar RαβμνRαβμν leads to a singularity of the...
  23. D

    Question about Metric Tensor: Learn Differential Geometry

    Hey, I have not done any proper differential geometry before starting general relativity (from Sean Carroll's book: space time and geometry), so excuse me if this is a stupid question. The metric tensor can be written as $$ g = g_{\mu\nu} dx^{\mu} \otimes dx^{\nu}$$ and its also written as...
  24. L

    Einstein-Cartan Theory: Dynamical Definition of Spin Tensor

    Hi, this is my first message on thi forum :D I apologize in advance for my english. I'm doing my thesis work on the theory of relativity of Einstein-Cartan. I'm following the article of Hehl of 1976; it's title is "General relativity with spin and torsion: Foundations and prospects". I can't...
  25. Q

    What Is the Principal Moment of Inertia in Robotics?

    Hi! I am new at robotics, can you guys please help me what is the principal moment of inertia?? how to define the pose of axis about center of mass of my robotic link of a legged robot?? please guide me with some visual representation and also how to calculate Inertia Tensor?? I will really...
  26. I

    Cosmological constant times the metric tensor

    In the EFE, what does adding Λgμν mean and why is it not included in the Einstein tensor?
  27. K

    Is the moment of inertia matrix a tensor?

    Homework Statement Is the moment of inertia matrix a tensor? Hint: the dyadic product of two vectors transforms according to the rule for second order tensors. I is the inertia matrix L is the angular momentum \omega is the angular velocity Homework Equations The transformation rule for a...
  28. D

    Demonstrate the matrix represents a 2nd order tensor

    Homework Statement Demonstrate that matrix ##T## represents a 2nd order tensor ##T = \pmatrix{ x_2^2 && -x_1x_2 \\ -x_1x_2 && x_1^2}## Homework Equations To show that something is a tensor, it must transform by ##T_{ij}' = L_{il}L_{jm}T_{lm}##. I cannot find a neat general form for ##T_{ij}##...
  29. D

    Finding principal axes of electromagnetic stress tensor

    Homework Statement In a certain system of units the electromagnetic stress tensor is given by M_{ij} = E_iE_j + B_i B_j - \frac12 \delta_{ij} ( E_kE_k + B_kB_k) where E_i and B_i are components of the 1-st order tensors representing the electric and magnetic fields \bar{E} and \bar{B}...
  30. K

    Transformation rule for product of 3rd, 2nd order tensors

    1. Problem statement: Assume that u is a vector and A is a 2nd-order tensor. Derive a transformation rule for a 3rd order tensor Zijk such that the relation ui = ZijkAjk remains valid after a coordinate rotation.Homework Equations : [/B] Transformation rule for 3rd order tensors: Z'ijk =...
  31. D

    Proving Non-linear Wave Equation for Riemann Tensor

    Hello, I am working through Hughston and Tod "An introduction to General Relativity" and have gotten stuck on their exercise [7.7] which asks to prove the following non- linear wave equation for the Riemann tensor in an empty space: ∇e∇eRabcd = 2Raedf Rbecf − 2Raecf Rbedf − Rabef Rcdef I have...
  32. M

    How Does Einstein's Corner Term Challenge 5D General Relativity?

    Question outline: In the case of 5d Kaluza (Klein) GR with NO charge and NO gauge field we expect 5d to reduce to 4d GR exactly. So this should be a very simple useful sanity check.s the side and corner terms of Einstein, Ricci and Energy tensors are zero, then R would be the same in 4d or 5d...
  33. Harel

    What is the Tensor Product of Vectors and How Does It Differ Across Contexts?

    Hey it might be a stupid question but I saw that the tensor product of 2 vectors with dim m and n gives another vector with dimension mn and in another context I saw that the tensor product of vector gives a metrix. For example from sean carroll's book: "If T is a (k,l) tensor and S is a (m, n)...
  34. A

    What is the purpose of the Einstein stress-energy tensor?

    Hello I'm new here on this forum and on physics too. I have problem on Einstein famous equation I have a problem on the last component Tαβ I know that tensor name is Einstein stress-energy tensor and I know that Tαβ...
  35. E

    What stress tensor components mean?

    Hey! I'm reading a book Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology In it, there is a section that is describing shear forces and it says this as a side note: In general, the force F across any surface is a vector. It can be resolved into a component perpendicular to the sur- face and two...
  36. darida

    Components of The Electromagnetic Field Strength Tensor

    Source: http://gmammado.mysite.syr.edu/notes/RN_Metric.pdf Section 2 Page: 2 Eq. (15) The radial component of the magnetic field is given by B_r = g_{11} ε^{01μν} F_{μν} Where does this equation come from? Section 4 Page 3 Similar to the electric charges, the Gauss's flux theorem for the...
  37. D

    Direct Product vs Tensor Product

    Hi, I am working through a textbook on general relativity and have come across the statement: "A general (2 0) tensor K, in n dimensions, cannot be written as a direct product of two vectors, A and B, but can be expressed as a sum of many direct products." Can someone explain to me how this...
  38. H

    Index Notation, multiplying scalar, vector and tensor.

    I am confused at why ##V_{i,j}V_{j,k}A_{km,i}## the result will end up being a vector (V is a vector and A is a tensor) What are some general rules when you are multiplying a scalar, vector and tensor?
  39. S

    What is the Interpretation of a Tensor?

    Homework Statement M= \begin{pmatrix} 2 & -1 & 0\\ -1 & 2 & -1\\ 0 & -1 & 2\\ \end{pmatrix} Compute \frac{1}{6}\epsilon_{ijk}\epsilon_{lmn} M_{il} M_{jm} M_{kn} . The Attempt at a Solution I computed the result which is 4, by realizing that there are 36 non-zero levi-civita containing...
  40. S

    Understanding the Nomenclature of Antisymmetry in Basic Tensor Equations

    I'm new to working with tensors, and feel a bit uneasy about the nomenclature. I picture words like antisymmetry in terms of average random matrices where no symmetry can be found at all. However, if I understand it correctly, antisymmetry is a type of symmetry, but where signs are inverted. So...
  41. S

    Riemannian Metric Tensor & Christoffel Symbols: Learn on R2

    Hi, Want to know (i) what does Riemannian metric tensor and Christoffel symbols on R2 mean? (ii) How does metric tensor and Christoffel symbols look like on R2? It would be great with an example as I am new to this Differential Geometry.
  42. G

    Time derivative of tensor expression

    I was trying to compute the time derivative of the following expression: \mathbf{p_k} = \sum_i e_{ki}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{(n+1)!} \mathbf{r_{ki}}(\mathbf{r_{ki}\cdot \nabla})^n \delta(\mathbf{R_k}-\mathbf{R}) I am following deGroot in his Foundations of Electrodynamics. He says...
  43. &

    Lie derivative of tensor field with respect to Lie bracket

    I'm trying to show that the lie derivative of a tensor field ##t## along a lie bracket ##[X,Y]## is given by \mathcal{L}_{[X,Y]}t=\mathcal{L}_{X}\mathcal{L}_{Y}t-\mathcal{L}_{Y}\mathcal{L}_{X}t but I'm not having much luck so far. I've tried expanding ##t## on a coordinate basis, such that...
  44. &

    Deriving Riemann Tensor Comp. in General Frame

    How does one derive the general form of the Riemann tensor components when it is defined with respect to the Levi-Civita connection? I assumed it was just a "plug-in and play" situation, however I end up with extra terms that don't agree with the form I've looked up in a book. In a general...
  45. davidbenari

    Proving K+U is constant with tensor notation.

    Suppose we have a system of particles that interact via conservative forces. I wish to prove that ##K+U## is a constant of the system with tensor analysis. Here is my procedure: The Lagrangian is ##L=\frac{1}{2}m_i\dot{ r_i}^2-\Phi## Lagrange's equations ##\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{\partial...
  46. jk22

    Does Dirac notation apply to tensor product in tensor analysis?

    Just a question : do we have in Dirac notation $$\langle u|A|u\rangle\langle u|B|u\rangle=\langle u|\langle u|A\otimes B|u\rangle |u\rangle$$ ?
  47. S

    What is the transformation law for tensor components in differential geometry?

    I read in many books the metric tensor is rank (0,2), its inverse is (2,0) and has some property such as ##g^{\mu\nu}g_{\nu\sigma}=\delta^\mu_\sigma## etc. My question is: what does ##g^\mu_\nu## mean?! This tensor really confuses me! At first, I simply thought that...
  48. Galbi

    Why need 4th order stiffness tensor expression?

    OK. First of all, I'm novice at Physics so this question may be weird. Above, there are 2 expressions for strain-stress relations. Let's assume that all components in the matrix are variables, not zero, not E, nor not G in the first picture. The first one is written in 2D matrix form, whereas...
  49. genxium

    Why is stress tensor (in this derivation) symmetric?

    First by "this derivation" I'm referring to an online tutorial: http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/336L/Fluidhtml/node9.html It's said in the above tutorial that the ##i-th## component of the total torque acting on a fluid element is ##\tau_i = \int_V \epsilon_{ijk} \cdot x_{j} \cdot F_{k}...
  50. ELB27

    Tensor products: different sizes of apparently the same set

    Homework Statement Show that the set ##\{\mathbf{v}_1⊗\mathbf{v}_2⊗...⊗\mathbf{v}_p:\mathbf{v}_k\in V_k\}## of tensor products of vectors is strictly less than ##V_1⊗V_2⊗...⊗V_p##. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Truly, I don't see any difference between the sets. They seem...