Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Teaching & Learning Packages Tensors in Materials Science Introduction
Tensors in Materials Science AimsBefore you start - The basicsIntroductionScalars, Vectors and MatricesWhat is a Tensor?Tensor UsageTensor NotationTransformation of axesPrincipal axesThe representation surfaceMagnitude of a property in a given directionThe effects of crystal symmetrySummaryQuestionsGoing further
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Introduction

Many physical phenomena of interest in materials science are naturally described by tensors including thermal, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties. In isotropic materials, many properties (e.g. electrical conductivity) can be described by a single number, a scalar. However in a general crystalline solid, these properties can vary with the direction in which they are measured - and tensors are needed to describe them fully.

This TLP offers an introduction to the mathematics of tensors rather than the intricacies of their applications. Its aims are to familiarise the learner with tensor notation, how they can be constructed and how they can be manipulated to give numerical answers to problems.

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