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### 27.2 Functions and Variables for atensor

Function: init_atensor
`init_atensor` (alg_type, opt_dims)
`init_atensor` (alg_type)

  Initializes the `atensor` package with the specified algebra type. alg_type can be one of the following:

  `universal`: The universal algebra has no commutation rules.

  `grassmann`: The Grassman algebra is defined by the commutation relation `u.v+v.u=0`.

  `clifford`: The Clifford algebra is defined by the commutation relation `u.v+v.u=-2*sf(u,v)` where `sf` is a symmetric scalar-valued function. For this algebra, opt_dims can be up to three nonnegative integers, representing the number of positive, degenerate, and negative dimensions of the algebra, respectively. If any opt_dims values are supplied, `atensor` will configure the values of `adim` and `aform` appropriately. Otherwise, `adim` will default to 0 and `aform` will not be defined.

  `symmetric`: The symmetric algebra is defined by the commutation relation `u.v-v.u=0`.

  `symplectic`: The symplectic algebra is defined by the commutation relation `u.v-v.u=2*af(u,v)` where `af` is an antisymmetric scalar-valued function. For the symplectic algebra, opt_dims can be up to two nonnegative integers, representing the nondegenerate and degenerate dimensions, respectively. If any opt_dims values are supplied, `atensor` will configure the values of `adim` and `aform` appropriately. Otherwise, `adim` will default to 0 and `aform` will not be defined.

  `lie_envelop`: The algebra of the Lie envelope is defined by the commutation relation `u.v-v.u=2*av(u,v)` where `av` is an antisymmetric function.

  The `init_atensor` function also recognizes several predefined algebra types:

  `complex` implements the algebra of complex numbers as the Clifford algebra Cl(0,1). The call `init_atensor(complex)` is equivalent to `init_atensor(clifford,0,0,1)`.

  `quaternion` implements the algebra of quaternions. The call `init_atensor (quaternion)` is equivalent to `init_atensor (clifford,0,0,2)`.

  `pauli` implements the algebra of Pauli-spinors as the Clifford-algebra Cl(3,0). A call to `init_atensor(pauli)` is equivalent to `init_atensor(clifford,3)`.

  `dirac` implements the algebra of Dirac-spinors as the Clifford-algebra Cl(3,1). A call to `init_atensor(dirac)` is equivalent to `init_atensor(clifford,3,0,1)`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·

Function: atensimp (expr)

  Simplifies an algebraic tensor expression expr according to the rules configured by a call to `init_atensor`. Simplification includes recursive application of commutation relations and resolving calls to `sf`, `af`, and `av` where applicable. A safeguard is used to ensure that the function always terminates, even for complex expressions.

  Categories:Package atensor ·Simplification functions ·

Function: alg_type

  The algebra type. Valid values are `universal`, `grassmann`, `clifford`, `symmetric`, `symplectic` and `lie_envelop`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·

Variable: adim

  Default value: 0

  The dimensionality of the algebra. `atensor` uses the value of `adim` to determine if an indexed object is a valid base vector. See `abasep`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·Global variables ·

Variable: aform

  Default value: `ident(3)`

  Default values for the bilinear forms `sf`, `af`, and `av`. The default is the identity matrix `ident(3)`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·Global variables ·

Variable: asymbol

  Default value: `v`

  The symbol for base vectors.

  Categories:Package atensor ·Global variables ·

Function: sf (u, v)

  A symmetric scalar function that is used in commutation relations. The default implementation checks if both arguments are base vectors using `abasep` and if that is the case, substitutes the corresponding value from the matrix `aform`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·

Function: af (u, v)

  An antisymmetric scalar function that is used in commutation relations. The default implementation checks if both arguments are base vectors using `abasep` and if that is the case, substitutes the corresponding value from the matrix `aform`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·

Function: av (u, v)

  An antisymmetric function that is used in commutation relations. The default implementation checks if both arguments are base vectors using `abasep` and if that is the case, substitutes the corresponding value from the matrix `aform`.

  For instance:

      (%i1) load("atensor");
      (%o1)       /share/tensor/atensor.mac
      (%i2) adim:3;
      (%o2)                                  3
      (%i3) aform:matrix([0,3,-2],[-3,0,1],[2,-1,0]);
                                     [  0    3   - 2 ]
                                     [               ]
      (%o3)                          [ - 3   0    1  ]
                                     [               ]
                                     [  2   - 1   0  ]
      (%i4) asymbol:x;
      (%o4)                                  x
      (%i5) av(x[1],x[2]);
      (%o5)                                 x
                                             3

  Categories:Package atensor ·

Function: abasep (v)

  Checks if its argument is an `atensor` base vector. That is, if it is an indexed symbol, with the symbol being the same as the value of `asymbol`, and the index having a numeric value between 1 and `adim`.

  Categories:Package atensor ·Predicate functions ·

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