The diffgeom Module – Status Report

I have written already a few posts about the theory behind the module, the structure of the module, etc. However, besides some rare examples, I have not described in much details how the work progresses. So here is a short summary (check the git log for more details):

• The basics about coordinate systems and fields are already in. There are numerous issues with all the simplify-like algorithms inside SymPy, however they are slowly ironed out.
• Some simplistic methods for work with integral curves are implemented.
• The basics of tensor/wedge products are in. Many simplification routines can be added. Contraction between tensor products and vectors is possible (special case of “lowering of an index”).
• Over-a-map, pushforwards and pullbacks are not implemented yet.
• Instead of them I have focused my work on derivatives and curvature tensors. For the moment work on these can be done in a limited coordinate-dependent way. A longer post explaining the theory is coming and with it an implementation slightly less dependent on coordinates (working with Christoffel symbols is a pain).
• Hodge star operator – still not implemented.

An example that I want to implement is a theorem that in irrotational cosmology isotropy implies homogeneity. Doing this will be the first non-trivial example in this module.

A serendipitous detour from the project was my work on the differential equations solver. Aaron had implemented a very thorough solver for single equations. I had tried to extend it in a few simple ways in order to work with systems of ODEs and initial conditions. However this led me to Jordan forms of matrices, generalized eigenvectors and a bunch of interesting details on which I work in my free time (especially this week).

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Posted by Stefan Krastanov on 02.08.2012

https://krastanov.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/the-diffgeom-module-status-report/