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Tensor Analysis-Short Notes

Tensor notes

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33 views

Tensor Analysis-Short Notes

Tensor notes

Uploaded by

abhigyanam43
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Physics

A gate way to all Physics exams: GATE, CSIR-NET, JEST, IIT-JAM, M.Sc entrance

Topic Tensor Analysis

Short notes

Preliminary Ideas of Tensor Analysis


1 Introduction to Tensors
 Scalars: Quantities described by a single value, such as
temperature or mass, invariant under coordinate
transformations.
 Vectors: Quantities described by magnitude and direction, such
as velocity or force, represented as arrays of numbers that
transform predictably under coordinate changes.
 Tensors: Generalization of scalars and vectors. They can
represent more complex relationships and can be described by
arrays of numbers that follow specific transformation rules
under coordinate changes.

2 Tensor Notation and Transformation


 Index Notation:
Used for compact representation of tensor equations.
 Indices: Lower indices denote covariant components, and
upper indices denote contravariant components.
 Einstein Summation Convention: Repeated indices imply
summation over those indices.
 Transformation Laws:
Covariant Transformation:
𝛛𝒙𝒋
𝑨′𝒊 = ′𝒊 𝑨𝒋
𝛛𝒙

[Date] 1
Tensors The Physics
Contravariant Transformation:

′𝒊
𝛛𝒙′𝒊 𝒋
𝑨 = 𝑨
𝛛𝒙𝒋
3 Types of Tensors
 Zero-order Tensor (Scalar):
Invariant under transformations.
Example: Temperature, mass.
 First-order Tensor (Vector):
Transforms linearly under coordinate changes.
Example: Velocity, force.
 Second-order Tensor:
Represents linear relations between vectors, such as stress or
strain.
Example: Stress tensor, inertia tensor.

4 Tensor Operations
 Addition and Subtraction:
Tensors of the same type and order can be added or subtracted
component-wise.
 Outer Product:
Combines two tensors to form a tensor of higher order.
Example: 𝐶𝑖𝑗 = 𝐴𝑖 𝐵𝑗
 Contraction:
Reduces the order of a tensor by summing over pairs of
matching indices.
Example: 𝐴𝑖𝑖 = ∑𝑖 𝐴𝑖𝑖 (trace of a matrix)
 Inner Product:
Reduces two tensors to form a scalar or lower-order tensor.
Example: 𝐴𝑖 𝐵𝑖 (dot product)

2
Tensors The Physics

5 Metric Tensor
 Definition:
Describes the geometry of the space.
Converts between covariant and contravariant components.
Example: In Euclidean space, 𝑔𝑖𝑗 = 𝛿𝑖𝑗 , the Kronecker delta.

 Raising and Lowering Indices:


Converts between covariant and contravariant tensors.
Example: 𝐴𝑖 = 𝑔𝑖𝑗 𝐴 𝑗 , 𝐴𝑖 = 𝑔𝑖𝑗 𝐴𝑗

6 Applications of Tensor Analysis


 General Relativity:
Describes the curvature of spacetime using the metric tensor and
Einstein's field equations.
 Continuum Mechanics:
Models the stress and strain in materials using tensors to
represent forces and deformations.
 Electromagnetic Theory:
Uses the electromagnetic field tensor to describe the electric and
magnetic fields.

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