Riemann tensor and covariant derivative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the covariant derivative of the Riemann tensor, focusing on the derivation process and the complexities involved. Participants express a desire for resources or solutions rather than engaging in the derivation themselves, indicating a preference for external references or materials.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a complete solution or resources related to the covariant derivative of the Riemann tensor, acknowledging the lengthy nature of the derivation.
  • Another participant reiterates the request for books or links that contain the proof, emphasizing the desire for external materials rather than a derivation on the forum.
  • A participant provides a formula for the covariant derivative of the Riemann tensor, detailing the contributions from the connection coefficients and expressing uncertainty about what further information is needed.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the utility of deriving the Riemann tensor in terms of the connection coefficients, suggesting it may be an unnecessary exercise.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the complexity of the derivation, with one participant noting they are mixing up terms due to the "enormous mess" involved in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of the derivation and the challenges it presents. However, there is no consensus on the necessity or usefulness of deriving the Riemann tensor in terms of the connection coefficients, with differing opinions on whether it is a worthwhile endeavor.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of the participants' understanding of the derivation process and the potential for confusion due to the complexity of the mathematical expressions involved.

mertcan
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hi, I tried to take the covariant derivative of riemann tensor using christoffel symbols, but it is such a long equation that I have always been mixing up something. So, Could you share the entire solution, pdf file, or links with me? ((( I know this is the long way to derive the einstein tensor and using bianchi identities shorten the way, but I really want to obtain the same solution using the long way...)))
 
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Nevertheless, you can share a book which includes the solution of covariant derivative of riemann tensor I really appreciate if you help me :))))
 
I have not received a answer for a long time., and still waiting for your answer. I know it is a long derivation, but I would like you to remember that you do not have to make a derivation on this forum, I just ask you to share pdf, book, link... which includes the proof. I hope your valuable return...
 
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for. The Riemann tensor looks like this:

R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda}

when you take covariant derivatives, you get an extra factor of a connection coefficient for each index (with a minus sign in the case of lowered indices). So:

\nabla_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} = \partial_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} + \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \sigma} R^\sigma_{\alpha \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \alpha} R^\mu_{\tau \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \beta} R^\mu_{\alpha \tau \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \lambda} R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \tau}

What else are you wanting to know about it? Did you want to write out R in terms of \Gamma? That's an enormous mess.
 
stevendaryl said:
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for. The Riemann tensor looks like this:

R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda}

when you take covariant derivatives, you get an extra factor of a connection coefficient for each index (with a minus sign in the case of lowered indices). So:

\nabla_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} = \partial_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} + \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \sigma} R^\sigma_{\alpha \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \alpha} R^\mu_{\tau \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \beta} R^\mu_{\alpha \tau \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \lambda} R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \tau}

What else are you wanting to know about it? Did you want to write out R in terms of \Gamma? That's an enormous mess.
stevendaryl said:
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for. The Riemann tensor looks like this:

R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda}

when you take covariant derivatives, you get an extra factor of a connection coefficient for each index (with a minus sign in the case of lowered indices). So:

\nabla_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} = \partial_\nu R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \lambda} + \Gamma^\mu_{\nu \sigma} R^\sigma_{\alpha \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \alpha} R^\mu_{\tau \beta \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \beta} R^\mu_{\alpha \tau \lambda} - \Gamma^\tau_{\nu \lambda} R^\mu_{\alpha \beta \tau}

What else are you wanting to know about it? Did you want to write out R in terms of \Gamma? That's an enormous mess.
I started with what you had written down in your post, but as you said it is a mess, and I am mixing up something due to enormous mess. I just want to see the full solution and I do not want you to be exhausted to derive the solution on this forum, so that is why I am asking you to share a file or other things which include this enormous solution:))) If you have, I will be very pleased
 
But why would you want to write ##R^\mu_{\quad \alpha\beta\lambda}## in terms of the connection?
It's a useless exercise if you ask me.

Other than that you could use mathematica but it will still take a bit of writing, especially paying attention that you have a valid expression.
 

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