Tensors
- [Rice University - Brandon Martin]
- Overview
In mathematics, a tensor is a mathematical object that describes the relationship between sets of algebraic objects related to a vector space. Tensors can map between different objects such as vectors, scalars, and other tensors.
Tensors are a generalization of scalars and vectors. A scalar is a zero rank tensor, and a vector is a first rank tensor.
Tensors can be used to describe physical properties. For example, a tensor can describe the relationship between one vector and another. If you start with one vector, such as a force, and mathematically apply it to a tensor, then you get another vector. That vector might be, for example, the stress caused by the force.
The word tensor comes from the Latin word tendere meaning "to stretch". Tensors provide a mathematical framework for solving physics problems in areas such as elasticity, fluid mechanics, and general relativity.
Please refer to the following for more details:
- Wikipedia: Tensor
[More to come ...]
