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Tensor Space


A tensor space of degree k over a field K is the vector space tensor product  tensor _(lambda=1)^(k)E of k copies of a vector space E over K. More generally, the tensor space of type (r,s) is E^( tensor r) tensor (E^*)^( tensor s), where E^* is the dual vector space.

On a smooth manifold M, the pointwise tensor space uses E=T_pM and E^*=T_p^*M. These spaces are the fibers of a vector bundle. For example,

 T^((3,1))M=TM tensor TM tensor TM tensor T^*M,

where TM is the tangent bundle and T^*M is the cotangent bundle. A smooth tensor field is a bundle section of this vector bundle. Its space of global sections is formed using module tensor products over the ring C^infty(M) of smooth functions, rather than vector space tensor products over R. The sections form both a module over C^infty(M) and a vector space over R.


See also

Tensor, Vector Space

Portions of this entry contributed by Todd Rowland

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Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W., with contributions by Todd Rowland. "Tensor Space." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/TensorSpace.html

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