A Induced Metric for Riemann Hypersurface in Euclidean Signature

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In the discussion on induced metrics for Riemann hypersurfaces in Euclidean signature, the relationship between timelike and spacelike hypersurfaces is explored, particularly how the tensor hαβ is defined in Lorentzian signature. The tensor is expressed as hαβ = gαβ - εnαnβ, where ε equals 1 for timelike and -1 for spacelike hypersurfaces. The conversation highlights the challenge of applying the same sign convention for Euclidean metrics, noting that a positive sign convention for spacelike vectors in Euclidean space contrasts with the conventions used in Lorentzian metrics. An example is provided to illustrate how the induced metric can be derived, emphasizing the potential confusion arising from differing sign conventions. The discussion ultimately underscores the importance of consistency in sign conventions when transitioning between Lorentzian and Euclidean frameworks.
craigthone
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We know in Lorentzian signature spacetime, in the case of timelike or spacelike hypersurfaces ##\Sigma## with
\begin{align}
n^\alpha n_\alpha=\epsilon=\pm1
\end{align}
where ##\epsilon=1## for timelike and ##-1## for spacelike. We can define a tensor ## h_{\alpha\beta}## on ##\Sigma## by
\begin{align}
h_{\alpha\beta}=g_{\alpha\beta}-\epsilon n_\alpha n_\beta
\end{align}
What is the corresponding relation for hypersuface in Euclidean signature manifold.
 
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craigthone said:
We know in Lorentzian signature spacetime, in the case of timelike or spacelike hypersurfaces ##\Sigma## with
\begin{align}
n^\alpha n_\alpha=\epsilon=\pm1
\end{align}
where ##\epsilon=1## for timelike and ##-1## for spacelike. We can define a tensor ## h_{\alpha\beta}## on ##\Sigma## by
\begin{align}
h_{\alpha\beta}=g_{\alpha\beta}-\epsilon n_\alpha n_\beta
\end{align}
What is the corresponding relation for hypersuface in Euclidean signature manifold.

An example might help. If you have a metric
$$\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}$$ , the induced metric for a vector in the z direction, i.e. with components <0,0,1> would be
$$\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}$$

So the same formula works, the induced metric ##h_{ab}= g_{ab} - n_a n_b=## works.

However, you can see that the sign convention for a spacelike vector we used is the opposite of the one you specified.

However, that's using a + sign convention for a Euclidean spacelike hypersurface, which is the opposite of the convention you chose for the Lorentzian matrix. I think using the same sign convention you used would be very confusing, but so is switching the sign convention between the two cases.
 
Moderator's note: Spin-off from another thread due to topic change. In the second link referenced, there is a claim about a physical interpretation of frame field. Consider a family of observers whose worldlines fill a region of spacetime. Each of them carries a clock and a set of mutually orthogonal rulers. Each observer points in the (timelike) direction defined by its worldline's tangent at any given event along it. What about the rulers each of them carries ? My interpretation: each...

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