Gaussian curvature for a given metric

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating Gaussian curvature for a given metric defined as ds² = f dr² + g dθ² + h dϕ², where f, g, and h are functions of r and θ. To compute Gaussian curvature in the r-θ, r-ϕ, and θ-ϕ planes, the Brioschi formula is applicable when the surface is embedded in a 2D space. For higher-dimensional spaces, the Riemann Curvature Tensor and the determinant of the metric matrix are utilized, specifically K = R₁₂₁₂/g, where K represents Gaussian curvature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gaussian curvature and its significance in differential geometry.
  • Familiarity with the Brioschi formula for calculating curvature.
  • Knowledge of Riemann Curvature Tensor and its components.
  • Basic concepts of metric tensors and determinants in the context of differential geometry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Brioschi formula in detail to understand its application in curvature calculations.
  • Learn about the Riemann Curvature Tensor and how to compute its components.
  • Explore the implications of Gaussian curvature in higher-dimensional spaces.
  • Investigate the relationship between metric determinants and curvature in differential geometry.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying differential geometry, particularly those interested in curvature calculations and metric properties in various dimensions.

mahdisadjadi
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Assume that we have a metric like:
<br /> ds^{2}=f dr^{2}+ g d\theta^{2}+ h d\varphi^{2}<br />

where r,\theta , \varphi are spherical coordinates.
f,g and h are some functions of r and theta but not phi.

Homework Equations


How can I calculate Gaussian curvature in r-theta, r-phi and theta-phi plane(2D)?
And also how for original metric(3D)?


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
@ HallsofIvy

Thanks!:smile:
 
After 1 month work on this problem, I found out following remarks:

1. If we tend to use "Brioschi formula" to calculate Gaussian curvature of a surface, we should embed it into a 2D space. For example, in the given metric, we should take r=constant to achieve a surface in theta-phi 2D space.

2. It we like to calculate Gaussian curvature of higher dimensional space, we can use Riemann Curvature Tensor and determinant of metric, as follows:
<br /> K=\frac{R_{1212}<br /> }{g}<br />
where g is determinant of metric matrix and R_{1212} is a component of Riemann Curvature Tensor. This K gives Gaussian curvature of the plane which is perpendicular to third axis.
 
I was kind of hoping we wouldn't have to calculate the Riemann tensor! Yes, the Brioschi formula only works for a two dimensional surface embeded in three dimensions- which was exactly your situation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
33
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K