# Homework Help: Proving tensor symmetry under transformation

1. Mar 17, 2010

### Hendrick

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Using indical notation, prove that a 2nd order symmetric tensor D remains symmetric when transformed into any other coordinate system.

2. Relevant equations
Tensor law of transformation (2nd order):
$$D'_{pq} = a_{pr}a_{qs}D_{rs}$$

3. The attempt at a solution
I think I'm required to prove that $$D'_{pq} = D'_{qp}$$ (where D is a symmetric 2nd order tensor)

$$D'_{pq} = a_{pr}a_{qs}D_{rs}$$
$$D'^{T}_{pq} = (a_{pr}a_{qs}D_{rs})^T$$
$$D'_{qp} = a_{qs}a_{pr}D_{sr}$$ (can someone please explain why when you transpose this, the a's swaps position but the D swaps indices?)

$$D_{rs} = D_{sr}$$ (as D is symmetric)

=>$$D'_{pq} = a_{pr}a_{qs}D_{rs} = a_{qs}a_{pr}D_{rs} = D'_{qp}$$

Thus $$D'_{pq} = D'_{qp}$$

Did I prove it correctly?

Thank you

Last edited: Mar 17, 2010
2. Mar 18, 2010

### Hendrick

Did I not write my question properly or does no one know?