Surface Area Vector in Exterior Algebra 3D

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The discussion centers on the concept of the surface area vector in exterior algebra within a 3D context, questioning its representation as a 2-form. Participants agree that while a surface area is associated with a 2-form, it is also viewed as a vector, particularly in mechanics where it relates to stress distribution. The conversation highlights the relationship between tensors and the Hodge-dual operation, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the oriented parallelogram in defining vectors. Additionally, there is a note on the importance of index notation in tensor equations. Overall, the complexity of representing surface area in both algebraic and mechanical contexts is a key focus.
mikeeey
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Hello every one .
What is the Surface Area vector form in exterior algebra ,I mean by that the Surface Area vector as an exterior form in 3D , just like the volume form .THANKS
 
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Wouldn't that just be a 2-form? A n-form gives a definition of an n-dimensional volume, so an area should be associated with a 2-form.
 
yes its a 2-forms , but 2-form is a co-variant second order tensor , but here the surface area is a vector ,
this is why i want to know ,
in mechanics the stress distribution formula is F^i = \sigma^\ij dA_j
where F is the force vector and (Sigma ) is the mechanical second order stree tensor and A is the Area vector
while in exterior algebra it's written like this F^i = T^i_jk dx^j\wedgedx^k
where T is a third order tensor , when using calculus e.g. co-variant derivative , sigma with give 2 christoffel symbols while the T will give 3 christoffel symbols
 
F^i =\sigma^ij dA_j
F^i= B^i_j_k dx^j \wedge dx^k
 
The "surface area element" can be thought of as a "[3D-]vector" only in 3-D.
In the cross-product, the oriented parallelogram formed from the factors is more fundamental than the vector perpendicular to that parallelogram.
From a tensor algebra viewpoint, to get a vector from the oriented parallelogram,
one has to use the Hodge-dual (often symbolized by *), which involves the \epsilon_{ijk} symbol.
 
you mean dA_i = \epsilon_ijk dx^j \wedge dx^k
 
dA^i = \epsilon _{ijk} dx^j \wedge dx^k
 
mikeeey said:
dA^i = \epsilon _{ijk} dx^j \wedge dx^k

Yes, it's basically this, but you might have some normalization factors in there, I'm not quite sure.

EDIT: Oh, and in your formula the i has moved from lower index to upper index, so you have to raise the index in there somewhere. :)
 

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