Tensor components of a Hodge dual

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the tensor components of the Hodge dual of a p-vector, denoted as *A, in an orthonormal basis. The relationship is defined by the equation A ∧ B = (*A, B)E for all B in Λ^(n-p), where E is the wedge product of the basis vectors. The user encounters difficulties in comparing coefficients of the (n,0)-tensor on both sides of the equation, particularly due to the antisymmetrization involved. The left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) expressions are analyzed, revealing the complexity of deriving the components of *A.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hodge duality in differential geometry
  • Familiarity with tensor algebra and antisymmetrization
  • Knowledge of orthonormal basis vectors and their properties
  • Proficiency in using the Levi-Civita symbol in calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Hodge dual in various dimensions
  • Learn about the transformation of k-forms and their duals
  • Explore the use of the Levi-Civita symbol in tensor calculations
  • Investigate the implications of antisymmetrization in tensor equations
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying differential geometry, particularly those working with tensors and forms in the context of Hodge theory.

guhan
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If A is a p-vector and B is a (n-p)-vector, then the hodge dual, *A, is defined by:
A\ \wedge\ B = (*A,B)E \ \ \forall B\in \Lambda ^{(n-p)}, where E=e_1 \wedge\ ... \ \wedge e_n

I am having trouble in deriving the tensor components of the dual (n-p)-vector - *A.
Specifically, I am getting stuck when I write down the components of the (n,0)-tensor on both sides and then comparing the coefficients - because, the LHS involves the antisymmetrization, A^{[i_1 ... i_p}B^{j_1 ... j_{n-p} ] }.
I got stuck with the LHS even when I took B to be just a simple (n-p)-vector of basis vectors. Because, when I do that, I get the following (n,0)-tensor on LHS...
\frac{1}{n!} \sum_\sigma\ (-1)^\sigma\ A^{i_{\sigma (1)} ... i_{\sigma (p)}}\ \epsilon ^ {j_{\sigma (1)} ... j_{\sigma (n-p)}}\ \ e_{i_1}\otimes ... \otimes e_{i_p}\otimes e_{j_1} \otimes ... e_{j_{n-p}}
 
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Just a repost of the above message with clearer typesetting (and some more):

If A is a p-vector, then the hodge dual, *A is a (n-p)-vector and is defined by:
A\ \wedge\ B = (*A,B)E \ \ ,\ \forall B\in \Lambda ^{(n-p)}

\ where,\ \ E = e_1 \wedge\ ... \ \wedge e_n

I am having trouble in deriving the tensor components of the dual (n-p)-vector - *A in an orthonormal basis.
Specifically, I am getting stuck when I write down the components of the (n,0)-tensor on both sides and then comparing the coefficients - because, the LHS involves the antisymmetrization, A^{[i_1 ... i_p}B^{j_1 ... j_{n-p} ] }\ .

I proceed as follows, taking B to be a simple (n-p)-vector of orthonormal basis vectors...
i.e.\ \ Let\ B\ =\ e_{i_{p+1}}\ \wedge\ e_{i_{p+2}}\ \wedge\ ... \wedge\ e_{i_n} <br /> \ =\ \frac{1}{n!} \epsilon^{i_{p+1}, ... ,i_n}\ e_{i_{p+1}} \otimes ... \otimes e_{i_n}
where \epsilon (epsilon) is the Levi-Civita symbol and e_{i_x} (subscripted e) are the o.n. basis vectors.

LHS
=\ A\ \wedge\ B\
=\ A^{[i_1 ... i_p}B^{j_1 ... j_{n-p} ] }\ e_{i_1}\otimes ... \otimes e_{i_p}\otimes e_{i_{p+1}} \otimes ... \otimes e_{i_n}
=\ \left(\ \frac{1}{n!} \sum_\sigma\ (-1)^\sigma\ A^{i_{\sigma (1)} ... i_{\sigma (p)}}\ \epsilon ^ {i_{\sigma (p+1)} ... i_{\sigma (n)}}\ \right)\ \ e_{i_1}\otimes ... \otimes e_{i_p}\otimes e_{i_{p+1}} \otimes ... \otimes e_{i_n}

RHS
=\ (*A,B)\ E
=\ (*A,B)\ e_1 \wedge\ ... \ \wedge e_n
=\ \left(\ (*A,B)\ \frac{1}{n!}\ \epsilon^{i_1, ... ,i_p,i_{p+1}, ... ,i_n}\ \right) e_{i_1}\otimes ... \otimes e_{i_p}\otimes e_{i_{p+1}} \otimes ... \otimes e_{i_n}
=\ \left(\ \frac{1}{n!}\ \left(\ (n-p)!\ *A^{j_1,...,j_{n-p}} \epsilon_{j_1, ... ,j_{n-p}}\ \right)\ \epsilon^{i_1, ... ,i_p,i_{p+1}, ... ,i_n}\ \right) e_{i_1}\otimes ... \otimes e_{i_p}\otimes e_{i_{p+1}} \otimes ... \otimes e_{i_n}

Any pointers on how to proceed further?
 
It might be easier just to try to figure out how a basis of k-forms transforms. I.e. what is the dual of e_1 ^ e_2 ^ ... ^ e_k? Then you can show that that the Hodge dual is linear and write your form A in terms of the basis.
 

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