Graduate Diffeo-invariant action for a matter covector field

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The discussion revolves around deriving a specific equation related to a diffeomorphism-invariant action for a covector field, denoted as ##S_m##. The user initially seeks guidance on how to start the derivation of the equation ##\nabla_a {T^a}_b = E^a \nabla_b \omega_a - \nabla_a(E^a \omega_b)##. They clarify that the invariance of ##S_m## under diffeomorphisms implies certain transformations for the metric and covector fields. The user ultimately resolves their query by recognizing that they can express the variation of the action in terms of the Lie derivative and apply integration by parts to achieve the desired result. The discussion highlights the process of problem-solving in theoretical physics through exploration and eventual self-discovery.
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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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A good one to everyone. My previous post on this subject here on the forum was a fiasco. I’d like to apologize to everyone who did their best to comment and got ignored by me. In defence, I could tell you I had really little time to spend on discussion, and just overlooked the explanations that seemed irrelevant (why they seemed irrelevant, I will tell you at the end of this). Before we get to the point, I will kindly ask you to comment having considered this text carefully, because...

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