Torsion Tensor Calculator

Model torsion from any affine connection inputs here. Check traces, norms, and symmetry constraints fast. Download clear tables and reuse them in reports today.

Inputs

Sets index ranges i, j, k ∈ {1…n}.
Used for nonzero filtering and torsion-free check.
Controls rounding in tables and exports.
Upper triangle reduces redundancy by antisymmetry.
Used for CSV/PDF file names.

Connection coefficients

Enter Γkij. The calculator computes Tkij = Γkij − Γkji.
Enter a connection, then press Submit to compute torsion and exports.

Example data table

Sample n = 3 connection coefficients with a few intentional asymmetries.

Γ^k_{ij}ValueImplied torsion T^k_{ij}
Γ^1_{12}, Γ^1_{21} 0.15, 0.05 T^1_{12} = 0.10
Γ^1_{23}, Γ^1_{32} 0.40, 0.10 T^1_{23} = 0.30
Γ^2_{13}, Γ^2_{31} −0.25, 0.05 T^2_{13} = −0.30
Γ^3_{12}, Γ^3_{21} 0.60, 0.60 T^3_{12} = 0
Use Load Example to prefill matching values in the form.

Formula used

Given an affine connection with coefficients Γkij, the torsion tensor is defined by:

Tkij = Γkij − Γkji
  • Antisymmetry: Tkij = −Tkji
  • Diagonal: Tkii = 0
  • Trace vector: Ti = Σk Tkik
  • Norm (reporting): ‖T‖ = √(Σk,i,j (Tkij)²)

How to use this calculator

  1. Select the dimension n for your index range.
  2. Enter the connection coefficients Γkij in the generated tables (leave blanks as zero).
  3. Set ε to control what counts as “nonzero” in the summary list.
  4. Choose decimal places and a display mode for compact output.
  5. Press Submit to display results above the form, then export to CSV or PDF.

Torsion as an antisymmetric connection signal

Torsion measures how far a connection fails to be symmetric in its lower indices. For each k, the calculator forms T^k_{ij} = Γ^k_{ij} − Γ^k_{ji}, forcing T^k_{ii}=0. If Γ^k_{ij}=Γ^k_{ji} for all pairs, torsion is identically zero. The number of independent components is n·n(n−1)/2.

Input structure and indexing for n dimensions

Choose n to set i, j, k ∈ {1…n}. The input grid is organized by k-slices, each holding an n×n matrix of Γ^k_{ij}. Moving from n=3 to n=4 increases entries from 27 to 64, so disciplined indexing prevents sign mistakes when comparing Γ^k_{ij} with Γ^k_{ji}. Empty fields are treated as 0 to speed entry.

Component screening with epsilon thresholds

Numerical models often create tiny nonzero values from rounding. The ε threshold filters components with |T| ≤ ε from the “nonzero” list while keeping full tables available. If ε is 1e−6 and your largest |T| is 0.30, then only meaningful asymmetries remain visible for review and export. Use smaller ε for symbolic or high‑precision inputs. CSV still stores every component.

Trace vector and geometric interpretation

The trace vector is computed as T_i = Σ_k T^k_{ik}. It compresses torsion into n scalars that can indicate preferred directions in a torsionful geometry. With n=4, the trace has four entries, which you can compare across parameter sweeps to detect drift, coupling, or constraints. Traceless torsion appears when all T_i are near zero.

Norm and stability checks in computations

The reported norm ‖T‖ = √(Σ_{k,i,j}(T^k_{ij})²) provides a single magnitude for quality control. Use a fixed decimal setting to compare runs. The antisymmetry deviation should be near 0; if it is large, the input parsing or index ordering is inconsistent. Check units.

Reporting workflows with exports and plots

After submission, the component tables and the Plotly heatmap summarize patterns at a glance. The k selector lets you inspect each T^k_{ij} slice, where off‑diagonal values stand out. The per-slice magnitude bar plot highlights which k contributes most to ‖T‖. Export CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for documentation so results stay consistent across notebooks, reports, and collaborations.

FAQs

What should I enter for Γkij?

Enter your connection coefficients for the chosen n. Leave blanks as zero, or use Fill Zeros. Keep units consistent across all inputs for meaningful norms and comparisons.

Why does the calculator show Tkii = 0?

Because torsion is antisymmetric in i and j. When i = j, Tkii = Γkii − Γkii = 0 automatically.

How many independent torsion components exist?

Only off-diagonal pairs matter. The count is n·n(n−1)/2. For n=3 this is 9, and for n=4 it is 24, even though the full tables display n³ entries.

What does the ε threshold change?

ε only controls which components appear in the “nonzero” list and the torsion-free message. It does not change computed tables, the norm, or exported data.

How do I interpret the trace vector Ti?

Ti = Σk Tkik summarizes torsion into n scalars. Use it to test traceless conditions (all near zero) and to compare directional trends between runs.

Can I reuse the plots and exports in reports?

Yes. Use Print for a quick page capture, export PDF for a formatted summary, and export CSV for reproducible analysis. For publication figures, recreate the plot from CSV to control labels and resolution.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.