Orthonormal Frame: is $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ 0 if i≠j?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the Levi-Civita connection in the context of an orthonormal frame. Participants are examining whether the connection $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ is zero when the indices $i$ and $j$ are not equal, exploring implications in differential geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ is zero when $i \neq j$ in an orthonormal frame.
  • Another participant clarifies the notation and asks what $\nabla_{e_i}e_j$ means.
  • A third participant states that $\nabla_{e_i}e_j$ represents the Levi-Civita connection and questions if it equals zero for $i \neq j.
  • One participant argues that it is not generally zero because the frame can rotate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding whether $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ is zero for $i \neq j$, with at least one participant asserting it is not generally the case.

forumfann
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Could anyone help me on this question:
Suppose ${e_i}$ is an orthonormal frame, is $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ is 0 if i is not equal to j?

Any answers or suggestion will be highly appreciated.
 
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forumfann said:
Could anyone help me on this question:
Suppose ${e_i}$ is an orthonormal frame, is $\nabla_{e_1}e_j$ is 0 if i is not equal to j?

Any answers or suggestion will be highly appreciated.
First, use [ itex ] and [ /itex ] or [ tex ] and [ itex ] (without the spaces) on this forum rather that "$". So your question is
"Suppose \{e_i\} is an orthonormal frame, is \nabla_{e_i}e_j is 0 if i is not equal to j?"

Okay, what does \nabla_{ei}e_j mean?
 
\nabla_{e_{i}}e_{j} is the Levi-Civita connection between e_{i} and e_{j}. Does \nabla_{e_{i}}e_{j} equal 0 if i is not equal to j?
 
No, not in general, because the frame can rotate.
 

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