Find Contraction of $$M_{ad}M^{be}M^{cf} f^d_{bc}f^a_{ef}$$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the contraction of a specific tensor expression involving a metric tensor and structure constants. Participants explore software options for performing this contraction efficiently, particularly in the context of evaluating it for multiple distinct algebras.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Joris, inquires about software that can assist in finding the contraction of the tensor expression $$M_{ad}M^{be}M^{cf} f^d_{bc}f^a_{ef}$$, noting the complexity due to the antisymmetry of the structure constants.
  • Another participant suggests using Mathematica for its built-in symbolic tensor capabilities, providing a link for reference.
  • Joris expresses relief at having simpler algebras available for testing the code.
  • A later reply mentions that the tensor capabilities in Mathematica have proven challenging, leading to a preference for hard coding the calculations using tables for speed and ease of implementation.
  • This participant also indicates plans to create a more general solution that accommodates more dimensions and fewer constraints on the algebras.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the utility of software for tensor calculations, but there is no consensus on the best approach, as some prefer manual coding while others suggest using Mathematica.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the challenges associated with tensor contractions, particularly in relation to the antisymmetry of the structure constants and the complexity of the metric tensor's block diagonal form.

JorisL
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Hi,

I was wondering if there exists some software to find the following contraction in an easy way
$$M_{ad}M^{be}M^{cf} f^d_{bc}f^a_{ef}$$

Here the 4x4 metric M has a block diagonal form
$$
\begin{pmatrix}
e^\phi & 0\\
0 & e^{-\phi/3}N
\end{pmatrix}$$

With ##N## a symmetric 3x3 matrix of determinant 1.
The ##f^a_{bc}## are structure constants of some algebra (I have to evaluate this for 13 distinct algebras).
A lot of them are zero, most of the others are 1.

I keep missing terms (due to antisymmetry ##f^a_{bc} = -f^a_{cb}##) when doing any but the most trivial examples by hand.

Thanks,

Joris
 
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Thanks.

Luckily there are some easy algebras that I can use to test the code.
 
Well I looked at the tensor capabilities but so far it proved easier to hard code the stuff using tables. (More important, a lot faster to implement than to learn and use this new part of Mathematica)

I added a PDF showing how I did it. When I find the time I might make it more generally applicable. (more than 4 dimensions, less constraints on allowed algebras etc)
 

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