Christoffel symbols and tensor analysis

In summary, Christoffel symbols are coefficients used to represent the curvature of a space in tensor analysis. They are related to the metric tensor through the Levi-Civita connection and are used in both general relativity and differential geometry. Christoffel symbols also play a crucial role in the transformation of tensors between coordinate systems, ensuring their covariance. While initially developed for use in mathematics and physics, they have also found applications in computer graphics and robotics.
  • #1
Marin
193
0
Hi all!

I read about tensor analysis and came about following expressions, where also a questions arose which I cannot explain to me. Perhaps you could help me:

I: Consider the following expressions:

[tex]d\vec v=dc^k e^{(k)}[/tex]
[tex]d\vec v=dc^k e_{(k)}[/tex]

where:
[tex]dc^k=dv^k+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k dx^w[/tex]

[tex]dc_k=dv_k-v_t\Gamma_{wk}^t dx^w[/tex]

Now, consider the covariant derivatives:

[tex]\frac{\partial c^k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k \frac{\partial x^w}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k \delta^w_q=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qt}^k[/tex]

analagous:

(1)[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v_k}{\partial x^q}-v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t [/tex]

So far so good, here I start transforming:

[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{g_{kl}\partial c^l}{\partial x^q}=g_{kl}\frac{\partial c^l}{\partial x^q}=\frac{g_{kl}\partial v^l}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qt}^l g_{kl}=\frac{\partial v_l}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qtk}[/tex]

As the second term looks different from the one above we continue transforming it:

[tex]v^t\Gamma_{qtk}=v^t\Gamma_{qk}^s g_{ts}=(t\rightarrow s, g_{ts}=g_{st})=v^s\Gamma_{qk}^t g_{ts}=v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t[/tex]

so, we finally get:

(2)[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v_k}{\partial x^q}+v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t[/tex]

By comparing (1) and (2) I miss a minus sign!

I suspect that the Christoffel symbol of first kind is antisymmetric and indices permute just like they do in the epsilon tensor and thereby generate a minus but I am not sure...

II: In both of the above daces of derivatives one uses dx^q as differential which is contravariant. Does it make sense to also use a covariant dx_q? Is in general differentiation of covariant vectors with respect to a covariant variable defined? (I suppose it must be, since you also differentiate a contravariantvector w.r.t. a contravariant variable)

III: And another question: Is the Kronecker delta symmetric in non-orthogonal coordinates

[tex]\delta^i_j=\delta^j_i[/tex] ?

If not, then which one of the two definitions is correct: (I´ve seen both in the net)

[tex]e^{i}e_j=\delta^j_i[/tex]

or

[tex]e^je_i=\delta^j_i[/tex]

I have also seen two types in which you define covariant vectors:

[tex]\vec v=v_ke^k[/tex] and [tex]\vec v=v_ke_k[/tex]

Which one is correct, or do they just represent the same covariant vector once in the covariant and in the contravariant basis?

IV: And the last one: I haven´t seen a classification of the Christoffel symbol of this kind:

[tex]\Gamma^{kl}_m[/tex] Is it also symmetric in the upper indices?Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your help!

marin
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Marin said:
Hi all!

I read about tensor analysis and came about following expressions, where also a questions arose which I cannot explain to me. Perhaps you could help me:

I: Consider the following expressions:

[tex]d\vec v=dc^k e^{(k)}[/tex]
[tex]d\vec v=dc^k e_{(k)}[/tex]

where:
[tex]dc^k=dv^k+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k dx^w[/tex]

[tex]dc_k=dv_k-v_t\Gamma_{wk}^t dx^w[/tex]

Now, consider the covariant derivatives:

[tex]\frac{\partial c^k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k \frac{\partial x^w}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{wt}^k \delta^w_q=\frac{\partial v^k}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qt}^k[/tex]

analagous:

(1)[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v_k}{\partial x^q}-v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t [/tex]

So far so good, here I start transforming:

[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{g_{kl}\partial c^l}{\partial x^q}=g_{kl}\frac{\partial c^l}{\partial x^q}=\frac{g_{kl}\partial v^l}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qt}^l g_{kl}=\frac{\partial v_l}{\partial x^q}+v^t\Gamma_{qtk}[/tex]

As the second term looks different from the one above we continue transforming it:

[tex]v^t\Gamma_{qtk}=v^t\Gamma_{qk}^s g_{ts}=(t\rightarrow s, g_{ts}=g_{st})=v^s\Gamma_{qk}^t g_{ts}=v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t[/tex]

so, we finally get:

(2)[tex]\frac{\partial c_k}{\partial x^q}=\frac{\partial v_l}{\partial x^q}+v_t\Gamma_{qk}^t[/tex]

By comparing (1) and (2) I miss a minus sign!

I suspect that the Christoffel symbol of first kind is antisymmetric and indices permute just like they do in the epsilon tensor and thereby generate a minus but I am not sure...
Be careful how you "transform" the Christoffel symbols. They are not tensors and do not transform as tensors.

It is true that [itex]\Gamma^{qk}_t= -\Gamma{tk}_q[/itex] and that [itex]\Gamma^{qk}_t= \Gamma^{kq}_t[/itex].

[qote]II: In both of the above daces of derivatives one uses dx^q as differential which is contravariant. Does it make sense to also use a covariant dx_q? Is in general differentiation of covariant vectors with respect to a covariant variable defined? (I suppose it must be, since you also differentiate a contravariantvector w.r.t. a contravariant variable)[/quote]
Yes, you can use covariant [itex]dx_q[/itex] if you also lower the indices on the Christoffel symbols. [itex]\Gamma_{ij, t}= g_{ki} g_{jq}\Gamma^{kq}_t[/itex].

III: And another question: Is the Kronecker delta symmetric in non-orthogonal coordinates

[tex]\delta^i_j=\delta^j_i[/tex] ?
The Kronecker delta is definded by [itex]\delta_{ij}= 1[/itex] if i= j, 0 if [itex]i\ne j[/itex], independent of the coordinate system, so, yes, it is always symmetric. (The metric tensor is, although dependent, of course, on the coordinate system, is also symmetric in all coordinate systems.)

If not, then which one of the two definitions is correct: (I´ve seen both in the net)

[tex]e^{i}e_j=\delta^j_i[/tex]

or

[tex]e^je_i=\delta^j_i[/tex]

I have also seen two types in which you define covariant vectors:

[tex]\vec v=v_ke^k[/tex] and [tex]\vec v=v_ke_k[/tex]

Which one is correct, or do they just represent the same covariant vector once in the covariant and in the contravariant basis?
They are really the same thing although the second would not make sense in the standard "Einstein summation convention" that we sum when the same index appears both as a superscript and a subscipt.

IV: And the last one: I haven´t seen a classification of the Christoffel symbol of this kind:

[tex]\Gamma^{kl}_m[/tex] Is it also symmetric in the upper indices?
Yes, it is. That should be clear from the definition of the Christoffel symbols (of the first kind) in terms of derivatives of the metric tensor. What definition are you using?


Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your help!

marin
You are welcome.
 
  • #3
ok, now let me try and see:

[tex]\Gamma^l_{qt}=\Gamma^l_{tq}=-\Gamma^q_{lt}=-\Gamma^q_{tl}=\Gamma^t_{lq}[/tex]

and also:

[tex]\Gamma^l_{qt}=-\Gamma^t_{ql}=-\Gamma^t_{lq}[/tex]

seems to me like a contradiction..

Can you please point out the wrong equalities, so that I get a better understanding?

thanks
 
  • #4
Marin said:
ok, now let me try and see:

[tex]\Gamma^l_{qt}=\Gamma^l_{tq}=-\Gamma^q_{lt}=-\Gamma^q_{tl}=\Gamma^t_{lq}[/tex]

and also:

[tex]\Gamma^l_{qt}=-\Gamma^t_{ql}=-\Gamma^t_{lq}[/tex]

seems to me like a contradiction..

Can you please point out the wrong equalities, so that I get a better understanding?

thanks
You are right. I wrote too fast [itex]\Gamma^l_{qt}= \Gamma^l_{tq}[/itex] but [itex]\Gamma^t_{lq}\ne -\Gamma^q_{lt}[/itex]. What is true is that [itex]\Gamma^l_{qt}+ \Gamma^q_{tl}+ \Gamma^t_{lq}= 0[/itex]. Notice that the three indices are "rotated"- the three even permutations of tlq.

I asked before what definition of the Krisstofel symbols you are using. The ones I am familiar with are
[tex]\Gamma_{ij,k}= \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{\partial g_ik}{\partial x^j}+ \frac{\partial g_{jk}}{\partial x^i}- \frac{\partial g_{ij}}{\partial x^k}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\Gamma^{i}_{jk}= g^{im}\Gamma_{jk,m}[/tex]
The symmetry rules follow from that.
 
  • #5
I also "use" the definition you stated, but haven´t studied it thoroughly yet, perhaps I had to, before I try to take on expressions.

Anyway, I´ll go on trying to understand this stuff and some new and will pose some questions again.

Thanks once again for the help!
 
  • #6
ok, I tried the following transformation:

[tex]\Gamma^w_{bt}=\Gamma^w_{bt}\delta^b_b=\Gamma^w_{bt}\delta^b_w\delta^w_b=\Gamma^w_{bt}\delta^b_w\delta^b_w=(\Gamma^w_{bt}\delta^b_w)\delta^b_w=\Gamma^w_{wt}\delta^b_w=\Gamma^b_{wt}=\Gamma^b_{tw}[/tex]

But this implies that nothing changes with the Christoffel symbol if I permute the indices evenly.

But then, HallsofIvy, the equation you posted does not hold any more..

I suppose I´ve done something wrong again, so could someone please help me :)
 

1. What are Christoffel symbols and how are they used in tensor analysis?

Christoffel symbols are a set of coefficients that represent the curvature of a space in tensor analysis. They are used to calculate the derivatives of tensors in non-Cartesian coordinate systems, making it possible to perform calculations in curved spaces.

2. How do Christoffel symbols relate to the metric tensor?

The Christoffel symbols are related to the metric tensor through a formula known as the Levi-Civita connection. This formula allows for the calculation of the Christoffel symbols from the metric tensor and its derivatives.

3. Can Christoffel symbols be used in both general relativity and differential geometry?

Yes, Christoffel symbols are used in both general relativity and differential geometry. In general relativity, they are used to describe the curvature of spacetime, while in differential geometry, they are used to study the properties of differentiable manifolds.

4. How do Christoffel symbols affect the transformation of tensors between coordinate systems?

Christoffel symbols play a crucial role in the transformation of tensors between different coordinate systems. They are used to ensure that the resulting tensor is covariant, meaning its components transform in the same way as the coordinate system.

5. Are there any applications of Christoffel symbols outside of mathematics and physics?

While Christoffel symbols were initially developed for use in mathematical and physical theories, they have found applications in other fields such as computer graphics and robotics. In computer graphics, they are used to model the deformation of surfaces, while in robotics, they are used to model the motion of robotic arms.

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