Abstract:
Elementary vector and tensor analysis concepts are reviewed in a manner that
proves useful for higher-order tensor analysis of anisotropic media. In addition
to reviewing basic matrix and vector analysis, the concept of a tensor is cov-
ered by reviewing and contrasting numerous different definition one might see
in the literature for the term “tensor.” Basic vector and tensor operations are
provided, as well as some lesser-known operations that are useful in materials
modeling. Considerable space is devoted to “philosophical” discussions about
relative merits of the many (often conflicting) tensor notation systems in popu-
lar use
