Is the Scalar Product of Stress Tensors in Cartesian Components Correct?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the scalar product of stress tensors represented in Cartesian components. The user initially struggled with the expression \(\sigma \cdot \sigma = \sigma_{ij} (e_i \otimes e_j) \cdot \sigma_{kl} (e_k \otimes e_l)\) and questioned how it could yield a scalar. The resolution involved recognizing that the product simplifies to \(\sigma_{ij}^2\) through the application of Kronecker deltas, confirming that the result is indeed a scalar.

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  • Understanding of stress tensors and their representation in Cartesian coordinates
  • Familiarity with tensor operations, specifically the tensor product
  • Knowledge of Kronecker delta notation and its application in tensor algebra
  • Basic principles of linear algebra, particularly vector spaces and scalar products
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The Alchemist
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Homework Statement



stress tensor in cartesian components.
[tex]\sigma[/tex] is the stress tensor.
[tex]e_i[/tex] are the basis vectors

Homework Equations



[tex]\sigma \cdot \sigma[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to write out the components with a cartesian basis:
[tex]\sigma=\sigma_{ij} (e_i \otimes e_j)[/tex]
But then I'm stuck on
[tex]\sigma \cdot \sigma = \sigma_{ij} (e_i \otimes e_j) \cdot \sigma_{ji} (e_j \otimes e_i)[/tex]

How can that be a scalar, since it is the scalar product...

I have no idea if this is the right approach, should I explicit use the unit vectors e_i to emphasize the cartesian components?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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Okay, I made my way through this.

[tex] \sigma_{ij} (e_i \otimes e_j) \cdot \sigma_{kl} (e_k \otimes e_l) = \sigma_{ij} \delta_{ik} \delta_{jl} \sigma_{kl}<br /> = \sigma_{ij}^2[/tex]
This is indeed a scalar, since there is no tensor space to span.
The key was to create the kronecker deltas.

Thanks anyway.
 

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