Expansion of covariant derivative

[mertcan]

(V(s)_{||})^\mu = V(s)^\mu + s \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \lambda} \frac{dx^\nu}{ds} V(s)^\lambda + higher-order terms
(Here we have parallel transported vector from point "s" to a very close point)Hi, I tried to make some calculations to reach the high-order terms for parallel transporting of vector above and I think they may be shaky, so I would like to ask it on forum about how these high-order terms are expanded?? what is the logic of expanding high order terms? Could you show the expansion of high- order terms using mathematical stuff or approach? I tried to make some search on internet but have not obtained any valuable information.

 

[stevendaryl]

Well, the exact equation for parallel transport is:

\frac{dV^\mu}{ds} = - \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \lambda} \frac{dx^\nu}{ds} V^\lambda

So that's a set of coupled partial differential equations. You can solve it using a power series:

V^\mu(s) = V[0]^\mu + V[1]^\mu s + V[2]^\mu s^2 + ...

To compute the higher-order terms, though, you have to take into account that \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \lambda} is not necessarily constant, either. So you need to expand both V and \Gamma in power series. It's a mess to do in general.

 

[mertcan]

Hmm, the the exact equation is what you wrote

Well, the exact equation for parallel transport is:

\frac{dV^\mu}{ds} = - \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \lambda} \frac{dx^\nu}{ds} V^\lambda

So that's a set of coupled partial differential equations. You can solve it using a power series:

V^\mu(s) = V[0]^\mu + V[1]^\mu s + V[2]^\mu s^2 + ...

To compute the higher-order terms, though, you have to take into account that \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \lambda} is not necessarily constant, either. So you need to expand both V and \Gamma in power series. It's a mess to do in general.

Thanks for your nice explanation "stevendarly"...