Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the momentum current density dyadic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the momentum current density dyadic, represented by the Maxwell tensor \(\overleftrightarrow{T}\). The equation for \(\overleftrightarrow{T}\) is defined as \(\overleftrightarrow{T}=\overleftrightarrow{1}U-\frac{1}{4\pi}(\overrightarrow{E}\overrightarrow{E}+\overrightarrow{B}\overrightarrow{B})\), with \(U=\frac{1}{8\pi}(|\overrightarrow{E}|^{2}+|\overrightarrow{B}|^{2})\). The characteristic polynomial derived from the determinant equation \(det(\overleftrightarrow{T}-\overleftrightarrow{1}\lambda)=0\) is established, leading to a cubic equation in \(\lambda\). The discussion also addresses the complexity of expanding the tensor components \(T_{ij}\) and the subsequent steps to find the determinant and trace of \(\overleftrightarrow{T}^2\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
  • Familiarity with tensor notation and operations.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic theory, particularly Maxwell's equations.
  • Proficiency in solving polynomial equations and determinants.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of symmetric tensors and their eigenvalues.
  • Learn about the determinant and trace of matrices, specifically for 3x3 matrices.
  • Explore the application of eigenvalues in physical systems, particularly in electromagnetism.
  • Investigate computational tools for symbolic mathematics, such as Mathematica or MATLAB, to simplify tensor calculations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in electromagnetism, and mathematicians focusing on linear algebra applications in physical contexts.

m3mb3r
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Homework Statement



What are the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the momentum
current density dyadic [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}[/tex] (Maxwell tensor)? Then make use of these eigenvalues in finding the determinant of [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}[/tex] and the trace of [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}^2[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}=\overleftrightarrow{1}U-\frac{1}{4\pi}(\overrightarrow{E}\overrightarrow{E}+\overrightarrow{B}\overrightarrow{B})[/tex]
[tex]U=\frac{1}{8\pi}(\overrightarrow{|E}|^{2}+|\overrightarrow{B|^{2}})[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] <br /> \overleftrightarrow{T}x=\lambda x[/tex]

[tex]det(\overleftrightarrow{T}-\overleftrightarrow{1}\lambda)=0[/tex]

[tex] det\left(\begin{array}{ccc}<br /> T_{11}-\lambda & T_{12} & T_{13}\\<br /> T_{21} & T_{22}-\lambda & T_{23}\\<br /> T31 & T_{32} & T_{33}-\lambda\end{array}\right)=0[/tex]

Since the tensor is symmetric, we have [tex]T_{ij}=T_{ji}[/tex], (after simplifying) our equation become:

[tex]-\lambda^{3}+(T_{11}+T_{22}+T_{33})\lambda^{2}+(T_{12}^{2}+T_{23}^{2}+T_{31}^{2}-T_{11}T_{22}-T_{22}T_{33}-T_{33}T_{11})\lambda+T_{11}T_{22}T_{33}+2T_{12}T_{23}T_{31}-T_{11}T_{23}^{2}-T_{22}T_{31}^{2}-T_{33}T_{12}^{2}=0[/tex]

with [tex]T_{ij}=\delta_{ij}U-\frac{1}{4\pi}(E_{i}E_{j}+B_{i}B_{j})[/tex] (from the definition of [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T})[/tex]

The problem is that as I expand [tex]T_{ij}[/tex] the equation become more and more complicated. Am I doing the right thing here?
And later how to find the determinant of [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}[/tex] and the trace of [tex]\overleftrightarrow{T}^2[/tex] after obtaining the eigenvalue?

Thanks
 
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Anybody got any idea?
 

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