Evaluating contractions of a tensor product

In summary, ##T = \delta \otimes \gamma## where ##\delta## is the ##(1,1)## Kronecker delta tensor and ##\gamma \in T_p^*(M)##. The components of ##T## are ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,bc}## and the possible contractions are ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,ab} = \delta^a_b\gamma## and ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,ba} = \delta^a_b\gamma##.
  • #1
CAF123
Gold Member
2,948
88

Homework Statement


Consider ##T = \delta \otimes \gamma## where ##\delta## is the ##(1,1)## Kronecker delta tensor and ##\gamma \in T_p^*(M)##. Evaluate all possible contractions of ##T##.

Homework Equations



Tensor product

The Attempt at a Solution



##\gamma## is therefore a ##(0,1)## tensor and the tensor product with ##(1,1)## yields a ##(1,2)## tensor. The components of ##T## are therefore ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,bc}## which gives rise to the two possible contractions ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,ab}## or ##T^a_{\,\,\,\,\,ba}##. Do I need to include any more detail? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would say you also need to evaluate what these contractions actually are in terms of ##\gamma## and ##\delta##.
 

Related to Evaluating contractions of a tensor product

1. What is a tensor product?

A tensor product is a mathematical operation that combines two tensors to create a new tensor. It is denoted by the symbol ⊗ and is commonly used in linear algebra and multilinear algebra.

2. Why is it important to evaluate contractions of a tensor product?

Evaluating contractions of a tensor product allows us to simplify and manipulate complex tensor expressions, making it easier to solve equations and understand the underlying structures in physics and engineering problems.

3. How do you evaluate contractions of a tensor product?

To evaluate a contraction of a tensor product, you first need to identify the indices that are repeated in the tensors. Then, you can replace those indices with the appropriate summation notation and simplify the expression using the properties of tensors.

4. What are some common applications of evaluating contractions of a tensor product?

Some common applications of evaluating contractions of a tensor product include solving problems in general relativity, quantum mechanics, and fluid dynamics. It is also used in computer graphics and image processing to manipulate and transform images.

5. Are there any limitations or challenges when evaluating contractions of a tensor product?

Yes, there can be limitations and challenges when evaluating contractions of a tensor product, especially when dealing with high-dimensional tensors or complex expressions. It requires a good understanding of tensor algebra and can be time-consuming for larger tensors.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
78
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top