Bitensor covariant derivative commutation

In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of commuting covariant derivatives of a bitensor and how it relates to the equation involving the Riemann tensor. The speaker suggests omitting the second term in the equation as it is not well-defined. They also ask for advice on how to properly commute covariant derivatives of a bitensor.
  • #1
PLuz
64
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Hi everyone,

I'm trying to prove a relation in which I need do commute covariant derivatives of a bitensor. The equation is quite long but I need to write something like this:

Given a bitensor [itex]G^{\alpha}_{\beta'}(x,x')[/itex], where the unprimed indexes ([itex]\alpha[/itex],[itex]\beta[/itex], etc) are assigned to the point [itex]x[/itex] and the primed indexes to the point [itex]x'[/itex]. If I use the usual law for commutating covariant derivatives of a (r,s)-tensor one can write:[tex]\nabla_{\rho} \nabla_{\sigma} G^{\alpha}_{\beta'}=\nabla_{\sigma}\nabla_{\rho} G^{\alpha} _{\beta'}+R^{\alpha}_{\delta \rho \sigma}G^{\delta}_{\beta'}-R^{\delta'}_{\beta' \rho \sigma}G^{\alpha}_{\delta'} ,[/tex]

where [itex]R^{\alpha}_{\delta \rho \sigma}[/itex] is the Riemann tensor. But this formula can't be right, at least is not well defined since I don't know what is this object: [itex]R^{\delta'}_{\beta' \rho \sigma}[/itex] ...

Does anyone know how to commute covariant derivatives of a bitensor?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
You're only differentiating wrt the unprimed point x, so the primed indices are effectively out of the picture. Keep the first Riemann tensor term and dscard the second.
 

FAQ: Bitensor covariant derivative commutation

What is a Bitensor covariant derivative?

A Bitensor covariant derivative is a mathematical operator used in differential geometry to differentiate tensors (multidimensional arrays) on a curved space. It takes into account the curvature of the space when differentiating, unlike a regular derivative in flat space.

How is the Bitensor covariant derivative related to the Levi-Civita connection?

The Bitensor covariant derivative is defined using the Levi-Civita connection, which is a way of parallel transporting vectors and tensors along a curved space. The Levi-Civita connection ensures that the Bitensor covariant derivative is both covariant (invariant under coordinate transformations) and torsion-free (the order of differentiation does not matter).

What is the commutation rule for the Bitensor covariant derivative?

The commutation rule for the Bitensor covariant derivative states that the order in which the derivative is taken for two tensors does not matter, as long as one of the tensors is a vector and the other is a covariant tensor. In other words, the Bitensor covariant derivative commutes with the contraction of a vector and a covariant tensor.

What is the significance of the Bitensor covariant derivative in general relativity?

In general relativity, the Bitensor covariant derivative plays a crucial role in the equations of motion for particles and fields on a curved space. It is used to calculate the curvature of the space and the geodesics (paths of shortest distance) that particles follow in the presence of gravity.

How is the Bitensor covariant derivative generalized to higher dimensions?

In higher dimensions, the Bitensor covariant derivative is generalized to the Bitensor covariant derivative of order n, which is used to differentiate tensors of rank n on a curved space. This is necessary in theories such as supergravity and string theory, which require a higher-dimensional framework to describe the fundamental forces of nature.

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