Varying the action with respect to metric

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is seeking to find the variation of a specific action with respect to the metric tensor \( g^{\mu\nu} \). The action consists of two parts: the Brans-Dicke action \( I_{BD} \) and another term \( I_N \) involving a scalar field and a unit time-like four-velocity. The poster expresses familiarity with the variation of the Brans-Dicke action but is uncertain about how to approach the variation of \( I_N \) with respect to \( g^{\mu\nu} \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply known variations of the metric and the Ricci scalar in their calculations. However, they express confusion regarding the correct formulation of \( \delta I_N \) and the implications of their expressions involving different free indices. Other participants question the validity of the expressions provided and point out potential inconsistencies in tensor addition.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's expressions and raising concerns about their formulation. There is no consensus yet, as the original poster indicates they will revise their post to clarify the entire action.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing issues related to the proper handling of tensor indices and the formulation of the action. The original poster's expressions are noted to potentially involve terms that cannot be combined due to differing types, which raises questions about the assumptions underlying their setup.

the_doors
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Homework Statement


i want to find the variation of this action with respect to ## g^{\mu\nu}## , where ##N_\mu(x^\nu)## is unit time like four velocity and ##\phi## is scalar field.
##I_{total}=I_{BD}+I_{N}##
##
I_{BD}=\frac{1}{16\pi}\int dx^4\sqrt{g}\left\{\phi R-\frac{\omega}{\phi}g^{\mu\nu}\nabla_{\mu}\phi\nabla_{\nu}\phi\right\}##
##
I_N=\frac{1}{16\pi}\int
dx^4\sqrt{g}\{\zeta(x^{\nu})(g^{\mu\nu}N_{\mu}N_{\nu}+1)+2\phi F_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}-\phi N_\mu
N^{\nu}(2F^{\mu\lambda}\Omega_{\nu\lambda}+
F^{\mu\lambda}F_{\nu\lambda}+\Omega^{\mu\lambda}\Omega_{\nu\lambda}-2R_{\mu}^{\nu}+\frac{2\omega}{\phi^2}\nabla_{\mu}\phi\nabla^{\nu}\phi)\}##
where
##F_{\mu\nu}=2(\nabla_{\mu}N_{\nu}-\nabla_{\nu}N_{\mu})##
##\Omega_{\mu\nu}=2(\nabla_{\mu}N_{\nu}+\nabla_{\nu}N_{\mu})##

Homework Equations


i know the variation of Brans-Dicke and its field equations , but i have no idea about ##\delta I_N## with respect to ## \delta g^{\mu\nu}##.

The Attempt at a Solution



##\delta \sqrt{-g}=\frac{-1}{2}\sqrt{-g} g_{\mu\nu} \delta g^{\mu\nu}##
and ##\delta R=(R_{\mu\nu}+g_{\mu\nu}\Box-\nabla_\mu \nabla_\nu)\delta g^{\mu\nu}##
 
Last edited:
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Did you enter the problem exactly as stated? Your expression is adding terms with different free indices.
 
Orodruin said:
Did you enter the problem exactly as stated? Your expression is adding terms with different free indices.
No, this is part of action which i have problem with that
 
The point is that your expression, as it stands, makes absolutely no sense. You cannot add tensors of different type ...
 
now i will edit post with the entire action.
 

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