Diffeo-invariant action for a matter covector field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation $$\nabla_a {T^a}_b = E^a \nabla_b \omega_a - \nabla_a(E^a \omega_b)$$ for a matter covector field ##\omega_a## described by a diffeomorphism-invariant action ##S_m##. The participants clarify that the invariance of ##S_m## under diffeomorphisms implies $$\delta g_{\mu \nu} = (L_{\xi} g)_{\mu \nu} = \nabla_{\mu} \xi_{\nu} + \nabla_{\nu} \xi_{\mu}$$. The derivation involves expressing the variation of the action $$\delta S_m$$ in terms of the Lie derivative and applying integration by parts to achieve the desired result. The discussion concludes with a classic example of problem-solving through writing and reflection.

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  • Understanding of diffeomorphism invariance in field theories
  • Familiarity with covector fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of the Lie derivative and its applications
  • Basic principles of variational calculus in physics
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians specializing in differential geometry, and students studying general relativity or field theory who seek to understand the implications of diffeomorphism invariance and covector fields.

ergospherical
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I just need a hint to get started, and then I reckon the rest will follow...
We consider a theory where matter is a covector field ##\omega_a## which is described by a diffeomorphism-invariant action ##S_m##. Define:$$E^{a} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{-g}} \frac{\delta S_m}{\delta \omega_a}$$Also, ##T^{ab} = \tfrac{2}{\sqrt{-g}} \tfrac{\delta S_m}{\delta g_{ab}}## is defined as per usual. We would like to derive:$$\nabla_a {T^a}_b = E^a \nabla_b \omega_a - \nabla_a(E^a \omega_b)$$The statement that ##S_m## is diffeomorphism invariant: I guess this means, under ##x\mapsto x - \xi##, and therefore$$\delta g_{\mu \nu} = (L_{\xi} g)_{\mu \nu} = \nabla_{\mu} \xi_{\nu} + \nabla_{\nu} \xi_{\mu}$$that ##S_m## is invariant... how do I use that? I imagine you can write something down in terms of the Lie derivative, and then manipulate the resulting equation into the result. But how to start??
 
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Never mind, I figured it out. For sure, you write out$$\delta S_m = \int d^4 x \left[ \frac{\delta S_m}{\delta \omega_a} \delta \omega_a + \frac{\delta S_m}{\delta g_{ab}} \delta g_{ab} \right]$$and then stick in the expressions ##\delta \omega = L_{\xi} \omega## and ##\delta g = L_{\xi} g## in terms of covariant derivatives, as well as replacing ##\delta S_m / \delta g_{ab}## by the expression involving the energy momentum tensor. Then just integration by parts gives what you want, when you make sure it vanishes under arbitrary ##\xi##.

Please delete or close the thread if you want... (classic rubber-duck example - write something down and then figure it out)
 
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