A Killing tensor, named after Wilhelm Killing, is a symmetric tensor, known in the theory of general relativity, that satisfies
where the parentheses on the indices refer to the symmetric part.
This is a generalization of a Killing vector. While Killing vectors are associated with continuous symmetries (more precisely, differentiable), and hence very common, the concept of Killing tensor arises much less frequently. The Kerr solution is the most famous example of a manifold possessing a Killing tensor.
Famous quotes containing the word killing:
“At twelve I was determined to shoot only
For honor; at twenty not to shoot at all;
I know at thirty-three that one must shoot
As often as one gets the rare chance—
In killing there is more than commentary.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)