Tensor analysis is a crucial mathematical tool with broad applications in fields as diverse as relativity,electromagnetic field theory,fluid mechanics,continuum mechanics,and so on.Mastery of this technique has become an essential skill for individuals engaged in scientific research.However,the presence of varying local tangential frames in non-Euclidean space adds more complexity to the tensor operation,compared to its operation in traditional Euclidean space,where the basis vectors are simple and uniform throughout space.This complexity blunts students'intellect to deduce intractable formulae and comprehend abstract concepts when studying the course of tensor analysis.To address this challenge,here we highlight the use of the MATLAB as a tool to help students grasp the fundamentals of tensor analysis.We employ the rich functionalities of the powerful tool,including plotting figures,coding scripts,deriving symbols,and computing tensors.We demonstrate the role that the tool plays in teaching the course in terms of curl operation,coordinate transformation and auxiliary proof of theorems with the addition of script codes.We believe that incorporating this tool into the course will sharpen students'comprehension on the course.It is also expected that they will be able to manipulate tensors proficiently using either the tensor toolbox in MATLAB or the Pytorch deep learning library,based on clear thinking about tensor analysis.
tensor analysiscoordinate transformationauxiliary proof of theoremsMATLAB
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