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advanced_tools:connections:levi_civita_connection

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$ \Gamma_{ijk} \equiv -\bigl(\partial_{i}g_{jk}-\partial_{k}g_{ij}-\partial_{j}g_{ki}\bigr)$

Christoffel Symbols

Intuitive

The Christoffel symbols are a mathematical tool that we use to parallel transport vectors around a manifold.

Parallel transport is just the simplest way to compare vectors at different points in the manifold.

Parallel is necessary, for example, to define the covariant derivative.

Concrete

In this section things should be explained by analogy and with pictures and, if necessary, some formulas.

Abstract

The motto in this section is: the higher the level of abstraction, the better.

Why is it interesting?

The Christoffel symbols appear in the most important equations of general relativity: the Einstein equation and the geodesic equation.

advanced_tools/connections/levi_civita_connection.1523697350.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/04/14 09:15 (external edit)