Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor extended

TL;DR

This paper extends Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor to models with general linear constitutive laws using differential forms, providing a covariant variational framework applicable to various field theories.

Contribution

It introduces a covariant variational approach for energy-momentum tensors in models with linear constitutive laws, generalizing classical definitions.

Findings

Derived a commutative variation identity for linear maps on forms

Extended Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor to models with general linear constitutive laws

Applied the framework to Maxwell-type Lagrangians in arbitrary dimensions

Abstract

A variational derivative of a Lagrangian with regard to the metric tensor is used in classical field models to define Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor for a matter field. In solid-state physics, constitutive relationships between fundamental field variables are a topic that is covered by a broad variety of models. In this context, a constitutive tensor of higher order replaces the of the second-order metric tensor. For the classical field models of gravity and electrodynamics, a similar premetric description with a linear constitutive relation has recently presented. In this paper, we analyze the extension of the Hilbert definition of the energy-momentum tensor to models with general linear constitutive law. Differential forms are required for the covariant treatment of integrals on a differential manifold. The Lagrangian, electromagnetic current, and energy-momentum current must all be represented as twisted 4-forms, 3-forms, and vector-valued 3-forms, respectively. For an arbitrary linear map on forms, we derive a commutative variation identity that allows direct variation procedures without having to deal with the individual components. One can deal with Maxwell-type Lagrangians in any dimension by restricting the linear map to the generalized Hodge dual map (constitutive law). The Hilbert energy-momentum current, which is defined as a variation derivative of the Lagrangian with regard to a coframe field, is derived in differential form. It is demonstrated that the commutative variation identity is closely connected to the explicit form of the energy-momentum current. This construction is applied to a number of field models having a general linear constitutive law.