Undergrad Notion of congruent curve along a vector field

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on defining a notion of congruent curves along a vector field in the context of a smooth vector field X on a manifold M. It proposes that for a smooth curve α(τ) connecting two integral curves of X, a sensible congruent curve starting from point C on the first integral curve is obtained through Lie dragging α(τ) along X from point A to C. The original poster seeks confirmation of this approach. The concept of congruence in manifolds is referenced for further context. The inquiry emphasizes the relationship between the curve and the vector field's integral curves.
cianfa72
Messages
2,904
Reaction score
306
TL;DR
About the definition of congruent curve to a given one along a vector field
Consider the following: suppose there is a smooth vector field ##X## defined on a manifold ##M##.

Take a smooth curve ##\alpha(\tau)## between two different integral curves of ##X## where ##\tau## is a parameter along it. Let ##A## and ##B## the ##\alpha(\tau)## 's intersection points with the 1st and 2nd integral curves respectively.

What is a sensibile notion of curve congruent to ##\alpha(\tau)## along the vector field ##X## starting from the point ##C## on the 1st integral curve ? I believe the answer is the Lie dragging of ##\alpha(\tau)## along ##X## from the starting point ##A## to ##C##.

Is the above correct ? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
7K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K