Tensor equations / nonlinear transformations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on tensor equations and their transformations across different coordinate systems. It establishes that if a tensor equation holds true in one coordinate system, it is valid in all systems. The transformation of tensor components, such as A, C, and D, is confirmed to be possible using the metric of the original frame. However, the discussion highlights complexities in obtaining the metric in a new frame, particularly when dealing with nonlinear transformations, which require a more nuanced understanding of how metrics behave under such conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensor equations and notation
  • Familiarity with coordinate transformations in physics
  • Knowledge of metrics in differential geometry
  • Basic concepts of linear and nonlinear transformations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of tensor calculus
  • Learn about the transformation of metrics in general relativity
  • Explore nonlinear transformations and their implications in physics
  • Investigate specific examples of tensor equations in accelerated frames
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and students studying general relativity or advanced mechanics, particularly those interested in tensor analysis and transformations in different coordinate systems.

JustinLevy
Messages
882
Reaction score
1
I have some fairly basic (hopefully) questions about tensor equations. Hopefully someone here can help out.

Let us say I have a tensor equation, (I will use this as the example for discussion: [tex]A^{u} = b C^{uv}D_{v}[/tex]).

If this is true in one coordinate system, it will be true in all of them correct?

Now if I know the components of A,C,D in one frame (as well as the metric in this frame), then I can find the components of A,C,D in any other frame by transforming them, correct?

Can I get the metric in this new frame by transforming the metric like a normal tensor as well (it does not seem to work in general... maybe I am making mistakes)?

How do nonlinear transformations work? (For instance if I wanted to find A,C,D in an accelerated frame.) Since the transformation tensor just gives a linear transformation ... it seems to suggest that I need the metric to no longer be a constant in the frame!? Or does it work some other way?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If A is the tensor in x,y coordinates and A' is the same tensor in x',y' coordinates, then
[tex]A'= \frac{\partial x'}{\partial x}\frac{\partial y'}{\partial y}A[/tex]
That works for linear or non-linear transformations. For a linear transformation the partial derivatives would be represented by a matrix having the coefficients as entries. For a non-linear transformation, the entries in the matrix will be functions of position.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K