Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Richard777 on 12/01/2018 16:40:58

Title: Are Christoffel symbols actually required?
Post by: Richard777 on 12/01/2018 16:40:58

A Field Equation (acceleration) may be derived from an equation of stress.

If conditions apply, the “stress field” may be reduced to give the Einstein Field Equation (EFE).

The Schwarzschild metric may be simply obtained from the stress field.

Christoffel symbols may not be required.

Title: Re: Are Christoffel symbols actually required?
Post by: jeffreyH on 12/01/2018 19:08:49

I think a bit of history wouldn't go amiss here.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elwin_Bruno_Christoffel
The Levi-Civita Absolute Differential Calculus is also relevant.
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Extras/Levi-Civita_Calculus.html
I personally own a reprint of the translation. It is worth reading.