Selecting diagonal elements from a matrix to make a vector

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The discussion focuses on extracting diagonal elements from a 2-tensor (matrix) to create a 1-tensor (vector). The operation suggested for this transformation is tensor contraction, specifically using the notation \(\sum_i T^{ii} \vec e_i\). However, it is clarified that the resulting object does not behave as a vector under transformation rules. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding tensor properties in mathematical operations.

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MasterD
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Hi,

I am looking for a certain operation that makes a 1 tensor from a 2 tensor by filtering out only the diagonal elements.

For instance,

(f1g1 f1g2 f1g3)
(f2g1 f2g2 f2g3)
(f3g1 f3g2 f3g3)

becomes

(f1g1)
(f2g2)
(f3g3)

after a certain operation.

What operation could I use?

Thanks a million for the one who can help me out here.

Dirk
 
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I don't think the resulting object is a 1-tensor. How would it transform?

If all you want is the SUM of those elements, then you can do simple tensor contraction: Tii. To make a 1x3 object out of the diagonal elements, you could write (no summation convention):

\sum_i T^{ii} \vec e_i

But this object is NOT a vector; it doesn't transform correctly.
 

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