How Do You Take the Covariant Derivative of a Tensor Twice?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of taking the covariant derivative of a tensor twice, as encountered in a general relativity textbook. Participants are exploring the implications of index notation and the consistency required in tensor equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify their understanding of the covariant derivative and its notation. Participants question the origin of certain indices and discuss the importance of maintaining consistency in index representation across equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's questions and providing insights into the notation and conventions used in tensor calculus. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in the representation of tensors and their derivatives, although no consensus has been reached on the specific naming conventions for the tensors involved.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific equations and notation from the textbook, which may not be fully detailed in the discussion. The conversation also highlights the need for clarity in the use of dummy indices and the implications of renaming them.

Mr-R
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Doing some problems in D'INVERNO GR textbook and I am stuck on taking the covariant derivation of a tensor twice. Please see the attached picture and please do inform me if something is not clear :smile:
 

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Hello.
Where do e comes from??

Take ##A^i=B^i_jC^j##.
j is a dummy index, there is a summation over j.
i can be 1, 2 or 3. This equation tells that the equality is true for all three values of i.
##A^k=B^k_jC^j## is exactly the same as ##A^i=B^i_jC^j##, you must not keep track of indices from one equation to another.
 
Heya bloby,

For e, I just chose a new tensor to represent the covariant derivative of the original tensor. Then what should I have named it? T^{a}_{b} ?

Thanks
 
Rather ##T^a_d## the same indices than LHS. The indices are related to basis element. They must be consistent within an equation, like ##v^i=\frac{dx^i}{dt}##, not ##v^i=\frac{dx^j}{dt}##. The 3rd and 4th line of the thumbnail are the same(after corrections) with renamed indices .
 
bloby said:
Rather ##T^a_d## the same indices than LHS. The indices are related to basis element. They must be consistent within an equation, like ##v^i=\frac{dx^i}{dt}##, not ##v^i=\frac{dx^j}{dt}##. The 3rd and 4th line of the thumbnail are the same(after corrections) with renamed indices .

Much Appreciated bloby :smile:

Thanks
 

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