Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the index notation for the divergence of products involving tensors of various ranks, specifically focusing on the divergence of a fourth rank tensor with a second rank tensor and a third rank tensor with a vector. The participants explore the mathematical expressions and notations used in these contexts, including covariant and contravariant formulations.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant asks for the index notation of the divergence of a product of a fourth rank tensor and a second rank tensor, as well as that of a third rank tensor and a vector.
- Another participant provides examples of index notation for divergence, suggesting that the divergence of a product can be expressed in various ways depending on the indices chosen for contraction.
- A different participant expresses uncertainty about the covariant and contravariant formulations and proposes a specific mathematical expression for the divergence, questioning the notation used.
- One participant seeks clarification on the symbols ":" and ".", explaining their meanings in the context of tensor operations and addressing the interpretation of indices in the notation.
- Another participant clarifies the meaning of the ":" symbol as summation over repeated subscripts and the "." symbol as matrix-vector multiplication, while also discussing the indexing conventions used in their examples.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing levels of familiarity with the notation and concepts involved, leading to some confusion and requests for clarification. There is no consensus on the interpretation of certain symbols or the best way to express the divergence in index notation.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the understanding of covariant and contravariant formulations, as well as the interpretation of specific symbols and index conventions. The discussion highlights the potential for confusion when applying Einstein summation convention in different contexts.