Can Einstein Index Notation Help Me Solve Equations in Continuum Mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Einstein index notation in solving equations related to continuum mechanics. Participants are exploring how to manipulate indices in matrix equations to verify the identity matrix, as well as clarifying the correct use of indices in tensor operations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether changing index letters is necessary when verifying the product of two matrices to yield the identity matrix.
  • Another participant suggests that only three indices should be used in the product matrix, indicating a need for clarity in the notation.
  • There is a discussion about the correct expression for the product of matrices in index notation, with one participant confirming the expression for matrix multiplication.
  • Some participants express confusion about the use of indices and the notation itself, with one participant humorously noting the focus on practical tools rather than theoretical notation.
  • Another participant mentions that fluid mechanics is a specialty of mechanical engineering and implies a connection to the use of tensors in that field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarity in index notation and the correct approach to matrix multiplication. However, there is some disagreement regarding the specifics of index manipulation and the relevance of the notation to practical applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the manipulation of indices and the implications of their notation choices, indicating potential limitations in understanding or applying the concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals in continuum mechanics, mechanical engineering, and those interested in tensor analysis and index notation.

Theta_84
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Hello
I am doing some exercises in continuum mechanics and it is a little bit confusing. I am given the following equations ## A_{ij}= \delta_{ij} +au_{i}v_{j} ## and ## (A_{ij})^{-1} = \delta_{ij} - \frac{au_{i}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}}##. If I want to take the product to verify that they give the identity matrix (its components maybe is more accurate), should I change in one of the expressions the index letters and proceed(change the free indices I mean)? Is this the correct approach ## (\delta_{ij} +au_{i}v_{j})(\delta_{mn} - \frac{au_{m}v_{n}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}}) ## and do the calculations? Does this term make sense ## \delta_{ij}\delta_{mn}##?

Thanks lot
 
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Hello ##\Theta##, :welcome:

You don't want four indices, but three: one to sum over and the other two are the indices of the product matrix.

Consider matrices A, B and C: what is the expression for ##C_{ij}## in terms of ##A_{..}## and ##B_{..}## ?

PS do you mean ##A^{-1}_{ij} ## as in ##(A^{-1})_{ij} ## ?
 
BvU said:
Hello ##\Theta##, :welcome:

You don't want four indices, but three: one to sum over and the other two are the indices of the product matrix.

Consider matrices A, B and C: what is the expression for ##C_{ij}## in terms of ##A_{..}## and ##B_{..}## ?

PS do you mean ##A^{-1}_{ij} ## as in ##(A^{-1})_{ij} ## ?
I believe it is ## C_{ij}=A_{ik}B_{kj}## ? Yes you are correct it is ## A_{ij}^{-1}## my mistake. So if I keep three free indices I have something like : ## C_{ij}=(\delta_{im} +au_{i}v_{m})(\delta_{mj} - \frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}})= \delta_{im}\delta_{mj}- \delta_{im}\frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}} +\delta_{mj}au_{i}v_{m} -au_{i}v_{m}\frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}} ## ?
 
Einstein notation... Sorry mate it's all about the lathes, spanners and Sir Issac around here.
 
Theta_84 said:
I believe it is ## C_{ij}=A_{ik}B_{kj}## ? Yes you are correct it is ## A_{ij}^{-1}## my mistake. So if I keep three free indices I have something like : ## C_{ij}=(\delta_{im} +au_{i}v_{m})(\delta_{mj} - \frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}})= \delta_{im}\delta_{mj}- \delta_{im}\frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}} +\delta_{mj}au_{i}v_{m} -au_{i}v_{m}\frac{au_{m}v_{j}}{1-au_{k}v_{k}} ## ?

Yes, that's the idea.
 
PeroK said:
Yes, that's the idea.
I think I completed it. thank you.
 
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xxChrisxx said:
Einstein notation... Sorry mate it's all about the lathes, spanners and Sir Issac around here.
I think fluids is a specialty of Mech,Eng.? and you need tensors.
 

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