Helmholtz Theorems, Gauge Transformations, General Covariance and the Empirical Meaning of Gauge Conditions

It is well known that the use of Helmholtz decomposition theorem for static vector fields , when applied to the time dependent vector fields , which represent the electromagnetic field, allows us to obtain instantaneous-like solutions all along . For this reason, some people thought (see e.g. [1] and references therein) that the Helmholtz theorem cannot be applied to time dependent vector fields and some modification is wanted in order to get the retarded solutions. However, the use of the Helmholtz theorem for static vector fields is correct even for time dependent vector fields (see, e.g. [2]), so a relation between the solutions was required, in such a way that a retarded solution can be transformed in an instantaneous one, and conversely. On this paper we want to suggest, following most of the time the mathematical formalism of Woodside in [3], that: 1) there are many Helmholtz decompositions, all equally consistent, 2) each one is naturally related to a space-time structure, 3) when we use the Helmholtz decomposition for the electromagnetic potentials it is equivalent to a gauge transformation, 4) there is a natural methodological criterion for choosing the gauge according to the structure postulated for a global space-time, 5) the Helmholtz decomposition is the manifestation at the level of the fields that a gauge is involved. So, when we relate the retarded solution to the instantaneous one what we do is to change the gauge and the space-time. And, if the Helmholtz decompositions are related to a space-time structure, and are equivalent to gauge transformations, each gauge transformation is natural for a specific space-time. In this way, a Helmholtz decomposition for Euclidean space is equivalent to the Coulomb gauge and a Helmholtz decomposition for the Minkowski space is equivalent to the Lorenz gauge. This leads us to consider that the theories defined by different gauges may be mathematically equivalent, because they can be related by means of a gauge transformation, but they are not empirically equivalent, because they have quite different observational consequences due to the different space-time structure involved.

Energy dependence on the electric activities of a neuron

A nonlinear circuit can be designed by using inductor, resistor, capacitor and other electric devices, and the electromagnetic field energy can be released from the circuit in the oscillating state. The generation of spikes or bursting states in neurons could be energetically a costly process. Based on the Helmholtz＇s theorem, a Hamilton energy function is defined to detect the energy shift induced by transition of electric modes in a Hindmarsh–Rose neuron. It is found that the energy storage is dependent on the external forcing, and energy release is associated with the electric mode. As a result, the bursting state and chaotic state could be helpful to release the energy in the neuron quickly.

Gauge Invariance of Gravitodynamical Potentials in the Jefimenko’s Generalized Theory of Gravitation

In the Jefimenko’s generalized theory of gravitation, it is proposed the existence of certain potentials to help us to calculate the gravitational and cogravitational fields, such potentials are also presumed non-invariant under certain gauge transformations. In return, we propose that there is a way to perform the calculation of certain potentials that can be derived without using some kind of gauge transformation, and to achieve this we apply the Helmholtz’s theorem. This procedure leads to the conclusion that both gravitational and cogravitational fields propagate simultaneously in a delayed and in an instant manner. On the other hand, it is also concluded that these potentials thus obtained can be real physical quantities, unlike potentials obtained by Jefimenko, which are only used as a mathematical tool for calculating gravitational and cogravitational fields.

Memristive oscillator to memristive map,energy characteristic

Most of nonlinear oscillators composed of capacitive and inductive variables can obtain the Hamilton energy by using the Helmholtz theorem when the models are rewritten in equivalent vector forms.The energy functions for biophysical neurons can be obtained by applying scale transformation on the physical field energy in their equivalent neural circuits.Realistic dynamical systems often have exact energy functions,while some mathematical models just suggest generic Lyapunov functions,and the energy function is effective to predict mode transition.In this paper,a memristive oscillator is approached by two kinds of memristor-based nonlinear circuits,and the energy functions are defined to predict the dependence of oscillatory modes on energy level.In absence of capacitive variable for capacitor,the physical time t and charge q are converted into dimensionless variables by using combination of resistance and inductance(L,R),e.g.,τ=t×R/L.Discrete energy function for each memristive map is proposed by applying the similar weights as energy function for the memristive oscillator.For example,energy function for the map is obtained by replacing the variables and parameters of the memristive oscillator with corresponding variables and parameters for the memristive map.The memristive map prefers to keep lower average energy than the memristive oscillator,and chaos is generated in a discrete system with two variables.The scheme is helpful for energy definition in maps,and it provides possible guidance for verifying the reliability of maps by considering the energy characteristic.

On the vorticity behind 3-D detached bow shock wave

For the general case of a spatial isoenergetic flow of ideal gas,Helmholtz’s theorems are generalized and the speed with which vortex tubes move is found,keeping the intensity.It is shown that along the streamline without stagnation point,vorticity either is equal to zero everywhere,or it is non zero at all.The pattern of vortex lines behind the three-dimensional detached bow shock wave is specified.