Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor extended

Abstract: A variational derivative of a Lagrangian with regard to the metric tensor is used in classical field models to define Hilbert's energy-momentum tensor for a matter field. In solid-state physics, constitutive relationships between fundamental field variables are a topic that is covered by a broad variety of models. In this context, a constitutive tensor of higher order replaces the of the second-order metric tensor. For the classical field models of gravity and electrodynamics, a similar premetric description with a linear constitutive relation has recently presented. In this paper, we analyze the extension of the Hilbert definition of the energy-momentum tensor to models with general linear constitutive law. Differential forms are required for the covariant treatment of integrals on a differential manifold. The Lagrangian, electromagnetic current, and energy-momentum current must all be represented as twisted 4-forms, 3-forms, and vector-valued 3-forms, respectively. For an arbitrary linear map on forms, we derive a commutative variation identity that allows direct variation procedures without having to deal with the individual components. One can deal with Maxwell-type Lagrangians in any dimension by restricting the linear map to the generalized Hodge dual map (constitutive law). The Hilbert energy-momentum current, which is defined as a variation derivative of the Lagrangian with regard to a coframe field, is derived in differential form. It is demonstrated that the commutative variation identity is closely connected to the explicit form of the energy-momentum current. This construction is applied to a number of field models having a general linear constitutive law.