Transformation Properties of a tensor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transformation properties of the array ##D_{ijk}## under rotations of coordinate axes, specifically in relation to its representation as a tensor. It is established that if ##b_i = D_{ijk}a_{jk}## represents a vector for every symmetric tensor ##a_{jk}##, then ##D_{ijk}## must adhere to the transformation law for tensors. The transformation equation is derived using the rotation matrix ##L##, confirming that ##D_{ijk}## behaves as a tensor under coordinate transformations, particularly when combined with ##D_{ikj}##.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensor notation and properties
  • Familiarity with rotation matrices and their properties
  • Knowledge of symmetric tensors and their transformation laws
  • Basic linear algebra concepts, particularly matrix operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of symmetric tensors in detail
  • Explore the Quotient Theorem for identifying tensors
  • Learn about the implications of the rotation matrix ##L## in tensor transformations
  • Investigate the relationship between different tensor ranks and their transformation properties
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Homework Statement


##D_{ijk}## is an array with ##3^3## elements, which is not known to represent a tensor. If for every symmetric tensor represented by ##a_{jk}## $$b_i = D_{ijk}a_{jk},$$ represents a vector, what can be said about the transformation properties under rotations of the coordinate axes of ##D_{ijk}## and ##D_{ijk} + D_{ikj}##?

Homework Equations


Transformation between vector components in frame S' and components in frame S, where the rotation matrix ##L## takes ##S \rightarrow S'## is ##b_i' = l_{ij}b_j##

Quotient Theorem to identify tensors.

The Attempt at a Solution


##D_{ijk}## may be represented as a matrix of size 3 x 3. Can I interpret the coordinate axes to mean, for example, the standard Cartesian axes?

$$b_i' = D_{ijk}' a_{jk}' = l_{ij}b_j = l_{ij}D_{jlm}a_{lm} = l_{ij} D_{jlm}a_{ml}\,\,\,\,(1)$$ using that ##a_{lm}## is a symmetric tensor.

Since ##a_{jk}## is a second rank tensor, it obeys the transformation law; ##a_{jk}' = l_{j\alpha}l_{k \beta} a_{\alpha \beta}##. Since the rotation matrix ##L## satisfies ##LL^{T} = I##, we have that ##l_{\beta k} l_{\alpha j}a_{jk}' = a_{\alpha \beta}## so then subbing into (1) gives$$l_{ij}D_{jlm} a_{ml} = l_{ij}D_{jlm} l_{lk}l_{mj}a_{jk}'$$
which is equal to $$l_{ij} (l_{jm})^{T} D_{jlm} l_{lk} a_{jk}' = D_{ijl}l_{lk} a_{jk}' = b_i'$$ using ##LL^T = I##. I am not really sure if this result helps or not. I think the aim of the question is to show using the transformation properties of a second rank symmetric tensor and a vector that ##D_{ijk}## is also a tensor, but I am not sure.
 
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Can anyone give me a hint on how to progress?
Thanks.
 

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