Tensor Derivative in Curvilinear Coordinates

Abstract

In this article, we mathematically rigorously derive the expressions for the Del Operator ∇, Divergence ∇ ·⃗v, Curl ∇ ×⃗v, Vector gradient ∇⃗v of Vector Fields ⃗v, Laplacian ∇2f ≡ ∆f of Scalar Fields f and Divergence ∇ · T of 2nd order Tensor Fields T in both Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates. We also derive the Directional Derivative (A · ∇)⃗v and Vector Laplacian ∇2⃗v ≡ ∆⃗v of Vector Fields ⃗v using metric coefficients in Rectangular, Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates. We then generalized the concept of gradient, divergence and curl to Tensor Fields in any Curvilinear Coordinates. After that we rigorously discuss the concepts of Christoffel Symbols, Parallel Transport in Riemann Space, Covariant Derivative of Tensor Fields and Various Applications of Tensor Derivatives in Curvilinear Coordinates (Geodesic Equation, Riemann Curvature Tensor, Ricci Tensor and Ricci Scalar).