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Questions about tensors and matrices

Submitted by AP on

Hello,

I am having questions with tensors. I know that not all matrices are tensor. Tensor is a homogeneous, linear and vector valued function. So my questions are:

 

  1. Are all 3*3 matrices tensors?
  2. Are all anisymmetric second order tensors orthogonal?
Thanks.

 

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1.  No.  Any 3x3 matrix could be a matrix of the components of a second order tensor with a given basis.  The thing tha makes the ensemble a tensor is how that matrix of numbers transforms when the basis vectors are changed.

 2.  To each other?  No.  Consider multiplying a given antisymmetric tensor by a constant.  It is not orthogonal to the original antisymmetric tensor.  

      To all symmetric second order tensors, yes. 

 Matt Lewis
Los Alamos, New Mexico

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 21:24 Permalink