Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/99016
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | The vector algebra war: a historical perspective |
Author: | Chappell, J. Iqbal, A. Hartnett, J. Abbott, D. |
Citation: | IEEE Access, 2016; 4:1997-2004 |
Publisher: | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) |
Issue Date: | 2016 |
ISSN: | 2169-3536 2169-3536 |
Statement of Responsibility: | James M. Chappell, Azhar Iqbal, John G. Hartnett, and Derek Abbott |
Abstract: | There are a wide variety of different vector formalisms currently utilized in engineering and physics. For example, Gibbs’ three-vectors, Minkowski four-vectors, complex spinors in quantum mechanics, and quaternions used to describe rigid body rotations and vectors defined in Clifford geometric algebra. With such a range of vector formalisms in use, it thus appears that there is as yet no general agreement on a vector formalism suitable for science as a whole. This is surprising, in that, one of the primary goals of 19th century science was to suitably describe vectors in 3-D space. This situation also has the unfortunate consequence of fragmenting knowledge across many disciplines, and requiring a significant amount of time and effort in learning the various formalisms. We thus historically review the development of our various vector systems and conclude that Clifford’s multivectors best fulfills the goal of describing vectorial quantities in three dimensions and providing a unified vector system for science. |
Keywords: | Vectors; Gibbs; Hamilton; Clifford; multivectors |
Description: | Date of Publication : 11 March 2016 |
Rights: | © 2016 IEEE. |
DOI: | 10.1109/ACCESS.2016.2538262 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/access.2016.2538262 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering publications |
Files in This Item:
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hdl_99016.pdf | Published version | 2.06 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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