Larger assignment on Vector Fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an assignment on vector fields, specifically focusing on tensor notation and the expression of vector and matrix products. Participants explore the correct representation of various mathematical expressions in tensor notation, including the calculation of the Kronecker delta and the divergence of a vector field.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster presents their attempts at expressing vector and matrix products in tensor notation, including specific expressions and calculations.
  • Some participants question the meaning of the bars used in the notation, suggesting that they may lead to confusion regarding whether the symbols represent vectors or matrices.
  • One participant notes that in Denmark, it is common to use bars over letters to denote vectors, which may differ from other conventions.
  • Another participant suggests that to properly write tensor products, one should start with tensors rather than vectors or matrices.
  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about their notation and calculations, particularly regarding the Kronecker delta and its representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the notation used, particularly the interpretation of the bars in the context of vectors and matrices. There is no consensus on the correctness of the original poster's tensor notation or calculations, as participants provide feedback and alternative perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and conventions used for tensor notation, as well as the assumptions underlying the expressions presented. The discussion reflects a variety of interpretations and approaches to the topic.

MarkBrezina
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TL;DR
I have a series of assignment questions on Vectorfields and I'd love some feedback on whether I'm doing it properly
Dear everyone.

I'm doing an assignment on vectorfields and for most of the assignment I have to deal with tensors and tensornotation.

The first assignment asks me to express the following vector and matrixproducts in tensornotation.
$$\overline c = \overline a + \overline b \\ d=(\overline a + \overline b) \cdot \overline c \\ \overline c = \bar{\bar a}\bar b $$ Which I've written as $$c_i=a_i+b_i \\ d = (a_i+b_i)c_i=c_i^2 \\ c_i=a_{ij} b_i$$

Those are my current results in tensornotation, please do enlighten me on any wrongs. As I was also for a short period confused on whether ##\bar{\bar a}## was actually meant as a matrix or a vector.Furthermore I have to calculate ##\delta_{ii}##, which I've gotten to 3
How do I show this best?

I also have to express ##\nabla \phi## and ##\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v}## in tensornotation.
Which I've gotten to be ##\nabla \phi = \frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x_i} e_i=\phi_i e_i## and ##\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v} = \nabla_i \mathbf{v}_i = \frac{\partial v_i}{\partial x_i} ##

And at the end I have to express the following in tensornotation.
##\frac{\partial x_1}{\partial x_1} =1 , \frac{\partial x_1}{\partial x_2} =0 , \frac{\partial x_1}{\partial x_3} =0 ## thereby producing the kronecker delta as a series of differentials in the indices i for ##x_i## and j for ##d_j## I've tried writing the following, but I'm near 100% certain it might be wrong

##\delta_{ij}=\partial_j x_i##

Please do share comments, feedback, critic and much more. I'm eager to learn
 
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What do the bars mean? If you want to write tensor products, then you have to start with tensors, neither with vectors nor with matrices. This means a vector is written ##v=\sum_k v_k \vec{e}_k## and a matrix ##M=\sum_{p,q} M_{pq} \vec{e}_p \otimes \vec{e}_q ## with some basis ##\{\,\vec{e}_i\,\}## of ##V##.
 
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I agree Fresh. I'm guessing it's because it's common in Denmark to use bars over ordinary letters ##\bar a## to represent vectors. This is also why it confuses me not to see a boldface ##\mathbf{A}## matrix but I instead see a ##\bar{\bar a}## which might be a matrix.

Assuming the above were vectors and matrices I'd end up with the same results
 
I've changed all my assignment replies from usage of ##\bar v## to ##\mathbf{v}=\sum_k v_k \mathbf{e}_k##
 

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