Reduced algebraic conditions for plane/axial tensorial symmetries

Abstract

In this article, we formulate necessary and sufficient polynomial equations for the existence of a symmetry plane or an order-two axial symmetry for a totally symmetric tensor of order n $\ge$ 1. These conditions are effective and of degree n (the tensor's order) in the components of the normal to the plane (or the direction of the axial symmetry). These results are then extended to obtain necessary and sufficient polynomial conditions for the existence of such symmetries for an Elasticity tensor, a Piezo-electricity tensor or a Piezo-magnetism pseudo-tensor.