[Differential Geometry] Computing the Gaussian curvature of an Orthogonal Parametrisation
Let's derive a formula for the Gaussian curvature of an orthogonal parametrisation X(u,v) of a coordinate neighbourhood at point p on a smooth, orientable surface, we have that ⟨Xu,Xv⟩p=0, hence F=0 of the first fundamental form at p.
First, we consider the Gauss formula expressed in Christoffel symbols:
−EK=(Γ122)u−(Γ112)v+Γ121Γ112+Γ122Γ122−Γ112Γ222−Γ111Γ122
How do we compute the Christoffel symbols?
If we assign each point of X(U) a natural trihedron given by the vectors Xu, Xv, N, and express the derivatives of the vectors Xu, XV and N in the basis {Xu,Xv,N},
Using the condition that x is an orthogonal parametrisation, that is, F=0, then the above reduces to Γ111=−21EEuΓ112=−21GEv,Γ121=21EEv,Γ122=−21GGu,Γ222=−21EGu,Γ122=21GGu
We substitute these values into the Gauss formula:
−EK=(21GGu)u−(−21GEv)v−41EEuGGu−41EEvGEv+41GEvGGv+41GGuGGu=(21GGu)u−(−21GEv)v−41EGEuGu−41EG(Ev)2+41G2EvGv+41G2(Gu)2⟹K=−2EG1[EGEvv−2(EG)23Ev(EvG+EG+EGGuu−2(EG)23Gu(EuG+EGu]
Therefore, simplifying gives the Gaussian curvature
K=−2EG1[(EGEv)v+(EGGu)u].
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