Need to calculate Christoffel connection from a given metrics

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The discussion focuses on calculating the Christoffel connections from a given metric defined as ds² = -(1+2∅)dt² + (1-2∅)(dx² + dy² + dz²), where ∅ is a function of x, y, z, and t. The user encountered discrepancies in their results related to t, specifically regarding the sign in the action's t-related terms. The correct formula for the Christoffel symbols of the first kind is provided, emphasizing the dependence on the partial derivatives of the function ∅.

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chinared
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Hi all,
I am trying to find the Christoffel connections of this metric:

ds2= -(1+2∅)dt2 +(1-2∅)[dx2+dy2+dz2]
where ∅ is a general function of x,y,z,t.

I tried to solve this through the least action principle, but some of my results(t-related terms) were different from the answer with a minus sign. So, I guess it's a problem about the part of t of the action.

I regarded this part as -1/2(1+2∅)\dot{t}2, should I remove the minus sign to get the correct answer?

\dot{t}: the derivative of t regard to the affine parameter λ

Thanks for your help!
 
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That's pretty straight forward isn't it? The Christoffel symbols (of the first kind) are given by
[ij, k]= \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{\partial g_{ij}}{\partial x^k}+ \frac{\partial g_{ik}}{\partial x^j}- \frac{\partial g_{jk}}{\partial x^i}\right)

Here, if we take x^1= x, x^2= y, x^3= z, and x^4= t, then g_{11}= g_{22}= g_{33}= 1- 2\phi, g_44= -(1+ 2\phi). Of course, the result will depend upon the partial derivatives of \phi. If \phi can be any function of the variables, then the Christoffel symbols can be just about anything!
 

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