Pullback (differential Geometry) - Pullback of Differential Forms

Pullback of Differential Forms

A particular important case of the pullback of covariant tensor fields is the pullback of differential forms. If α is a differential k-form, i.e., a section of the exterior bundle ΛkT*N of (fiberwise) alternating k-forms on TN, then the pullback of α is the differential k-form on M defined by the same formula as in the previous section:

for x in M and Xj in TxM.

The pullback of differential forms has two properties which make it extremely useful.

1. It is compatible with the wedge product in the sense that for differential forms α and β on N,

2. It is compatible with the exterior derivative d: if α is a differential form on N then

Read more about this topic:  Pullback (differential Geometry)

Famous quotes containing the words differential and/or forms:

    But how is one to make a scientist understand that there is something unalterably deranged about differential calculus, quantum theory, or the obscene and so inanely liturgical ordeals of the precession of the equinoxes.
    Antonin Artaud (1896–1948)

    The most passionate, consistent, extreme and implacable enemy of the Enlightenment and ... all forms of rationalism ... was Johann Georg Hamann. His influence, direct and indirect, upon the romantic revolt against universalism and scientific method ... was considerable and perhaps crucial.
    Isaiah Berlin (b. 1909)