Observer-invariant time derivatives on moving surfaces (Q2071018)

Observer-invariance is regarded as a minimum requirement for an appropriate definition of time derivatives. We derive various time derivatives systematically from a spacetime setting, where observer-invariance is a special case of a covariance principle and covered by Ricci-calculus. The analysis is considered for tangential $n$-tensor fields on moving surfaces and provides formulations which are applicable for numerical computations. For various special cases, e.g., vector fields $(n = 1)$ and symmetric and trace-less tensor fields $(n = 2)$ we compare material and convected derivatives and demonstrate the different underlying physics.