Lie derivative and vector field notion.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the Lie derivative of a vector field, specifically how it measures the change of a vector field along another vector field. The approach involves transforming coordinates and analyzing the relationship between the original and transformed vector fields. The author questions whether the Lie derivative can be interpreted as a change in tensor rather than a tensor field, and seeks validation of this assumption. The mathematical derivation presented shows that the final expression for the Lie derivative does not explicitly require a defined vector field or connection.

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  • Understanding of Lie derivatives in differential geometry
  • Familiarity with vector fields and tensor analysis
  • Knowledge of coordinate transformations and directional derivatives
  • Basic concepts of connections in differential geometry
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  • Study the properties of Lie derivatives in the context of differential geometry
  • Explore the relationship between vector fields and tensor fields in mathematical physics
  • Learn about connections and their role in defining derivatives of tensor fields
  • Investigate applications of Lie derivatives in fluid dynamics and general relativity
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students in advanced calculus or differential geometry who are interested in the properties of vector fields and tensor analysis.

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Here is an approach for lie derivative. And i would like to know how wrong is it.
Assuming lie derivative of a vector field measures change of a vector field along a vector field, take a coordinate system, xi , and the vector field fi along which Ti is being changed. I go this way, i take the vector 'T' at point xi, transform the coordinate as- xi -> xi + efi= x'i, e nearly zero. Now Ti(x) is transformed to T'i(x').
Now I subtract T'(x') with T(x).
We would do the same thing to find directional derivative of a scalar function- S( x + ef)- S(x)= S(x')-S(x)
Now back to vector T. T'j(x')= Ti(x)dx'j/dxi.
Now take Ti(x') = Ti(x) + efk\nablakTi. Since T(x) is a vector field. But I don't ask for a definition of connection. We use arbitrary connection and try to see if T(x') is completely specified by T(x) by requiring specification of connection \nabla.
So T'j(x')= Ti(x') - e( fk\nablakTi(x) - Tk(x')dfi /dxk
To first approximation.
This finally gives, considering first order in e,
T'j(x')= Ti(x) - e( fk\nablakTi(x) - Tk(x')\nablakfi)
= Ti(x) + e(lie derivative required) + e2(terms..)
As is seen here, the final form does not include the notion of a definite vector field for T. Even connection \nabla can be removed from lie derivative for vector. I need to know if it is correct, the assumption that lie derivative can be considered as change in tensor, not necessarily a tensor field. Or is a precisely defined tensor field property already used here?
 
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I really need to know if its correct. Its simple maths though looks long. Could someone help? Experts' comments?
 

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