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Chain

A formal sum of oriented cells (points, edges, triangles, ...) -- the domain a differential form is integrated over.

A chain is a formal sum of oriented k-cells, the discrete scaffolding a k-form is integrated against. A triangulated surface, viewed as a 2-chain, is exactly the kind of object the generalized Stokes theorem's left-hand side integrates a form over.

Examples

  • A single oriented triangle, or a formal sum of several triangles tiling a surface, is a 2-chain.

See also

Boundary operator
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