Calculating Riemannian Metric Tensor for a Vector

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Riemannian metric tensor for a vector, exploring its definition, methods of computation, and its application in differential geometry and theoretical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the understanding of the metric tensor, emphasizing it as a map from tangent spaces to real numbers.
  • Another participant provides a detailed method for calculating the metric tensor for a surface, using derivatives and arc length, and presents the resulting expressions for the metric tensor as a matrix.
  • A later reply acknowledges the provided method as helpful but indicates a need for further elaboration related to a specific problem involving the Riemannian tensor.
  • One participant expresses a preference for working without coordinates, suggesting that a deeper understanding of manifold theory and Riemannian geometry is necessary for theoretical physics.
  • Another participant, new to differential geometry, seeks clarification on using the Riemannian tensor method in practical problems, indicating a lack of familiarity with various methods in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of coordinates in calculations, with some advocating for local coordinates while others prefer a more abstract approach. There is no consensus on the best method for calculating the Riemannian metric tensor or its application in specific problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods and approaches to calculating the metric tensor, highlighting the complexity and nuance of the topic. There are unresolved questions regarding the application of the Riemannian tensor method in specific contexts.

ejays
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How can I calculate reimannian metric tensor for the vector.

I know about matrix it is equivalent to W(tranpose)W

but don't know what it will be for vector w
 
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not sure you have understood what the metric tensor is.

It is a map from the tangent space (bundle) x tangents space (bundle) to the real numbers.

So you take two vectors and plug them into the riemann tensor and then get a number.

If you have understood it, please reformulate your question, because then it is unclear.
 
Hi , ejays
I don't know if the Reimannian metric tensor is different from the metric tensor that I know , so I'll tell you what I know and you see if it helps ( the following method is for the metric tensor of a surface and it can be generalized for spaces )
Suppose M is a surface determined by \[<br /> \vec X\left( {u,v} \right) \subset E^3 <br /> \] and \[<br /> \vec c\left( t \right)<br /> \] is a curve on M , \[<br /> t \in \left[ {a,b} \right]<br /> \]. Then we can write \[<br /> \vec c\left( t \right) = \vec X\left( {u\left( t \right),v\left( t \right)} \right)<br /> \] .Now by taking the derivative of the previous equation we obtain :
\[<br /> \vec c&#039;\left( t \right) = \frac{{\partial \vec X}}{{\partial u}}\frac{{du}}{{dt}} + \frac{{\partial \vec X}}{{\partial v}}\frac{{dv}}{{dt}} = u&#039;\vec X_1 + v&#039;\vec X_2 <br /> \]
and If \[<br /> s\left( t \right)<br /> \] represents the arc length along the curve Then :
\[<br /> s\left( t \right) = \int\limits_a^b {\left| {\left| {\vec c&#039;\left( t \right)} \right|} \right|} dt<br /> \]
and :
\[<br /> \frac{{ds}}{{dt}} = \left| {\left| {\vec c&#039;\left( t \right)} \right|} \right|<br /> \]
so :
\[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \left( {\frac{{ds}}{{dt}}} \right)^2 = \left| {\left| {\vec c&#039;\left( t \right)} \right|} \right|^2 = \vec c&#039;.\vec c&#039; = \left( {u&#039;\vec X_1 + v&#039;\vec X_2 } \right).\left( {u&#039;\vec X_1 + v&#039;\vec X_2 } \right) \\ <br /> = u&#039;^2 \left( {\vec X_1 .\vec X_1 } \right) + 2u&#039;v&#039;\left( {\vec X_1 .\vec X_2 } \right) + v&#039;^2 \left( {\vec X_2 .\vec X_2 } \right) \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \]
and by putting :
\[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \vec X_1 .\vec X_1 = g_{11} \\ <br /> \vec X_1 .\vec X_2 = g_{12} \\ <br /> \vec X_2 .\vec X_2 = g_{22} \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \]
then we have :
\[<br /> \left( {\frac{{ds}}{{dt}}} \right)^2 = g_{11} \left( {\frac{{du}}{{dt}}} \right)^2 + 2g_{12} \left( {\frac{{du}}{{dt}}\frac{{dv}}{{dt}}} \right) + g_{22} \left( {\frac{{dv}}{{dt}}} \right)^2 <br /> \]
or :
\[<br /> ds^2 = g_{11} du^2 + 2g_{12} dudv + g_{22} dv^2 = \sum\limits_{i,j} {g_{ij} } dx^i dx^j <br /> \]
and the metric tensor ( as a matrix ) is :
\[<br /> g_{ij} = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}<br /> {g_{11} } &amp; {g_{12} } \\<br /> {g_{21} } &amp; {g_{22} } \\<br /> \end{array}} \right)<br /> \]

(Note that \[<br /> g_{12} = g_{21} <br /> \] )
I hope this will help .
 
Thanks, this is indeed a help, i would require some further elaboration but let me first test it with my Natural gradient problem, the one based upon reimannian tensor.

Thanks again
 
the shadow, as far as I see you are correct. You are working in what is called local coordinates (what most physicist do), I personally like to not work in coordinates as long as possible, and only do the last calculations in some coordinates, but that's because I work mostly with theoretical physics, and I would say that to do that and fully understand the underlying math, you would need a course in manifold theory and riemannian geometry. But you can learn the skill to work in coordinates all the time, if you only need to do calculations, but maybe then the whole thing can seems like a mystery, but guess that's ok, if you don't care why it works, but wan't to use the fact that it do, to make calculations on concrete problems.
 
Hi , mrandersdk
thank you for your comment , but I need to tell you that I'm new at the field of differential geometry , so I don't know all the methods of it .
What I know that in a problem like this I use the method that I wrote , but in theoratical physics I use the riemannian tensor to calculate the metric ( like the metrics in GR ) , but I don't know how to use the riemannian tensor method in a problem like this .
Could you tell me how , please ??
thanks again
 

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