Classical Mechanics Puzzler

The definition of how to multiply two 2nd rank tensors to produce another 2nd rank tensor is given by

S mijljk = (ml)ik

Note that the crucial element in such a definition is that a second rank tensor must have two independent indices, i and k in this case . (Note also that summing over the "inner" index j is not the only definition possible, but it is the definition that works properly for orthogonal rotations.)

With this in mind, consider how you might multiply two 3rd rank tensors to produce another 3rd rank tensor. Specifically, consider the useful identity

S eijkelmk = dildjm - dimdjl

Does this represent such a multiplication? That is, does dildjm - dimdjl represent a tensor of third rank. Be sure to explain your argument. (The actual values of the elements eijk and dlm are not important to the argument.)



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