Mathematical foundations for field theories on Finsler spacetimes

Abstract

This paper introduces a general mathematical framework for action-based field theories on Finsler spacetimes. As most often fields on Finsler spacetime (e.g., the Finsler fundamental function or the resulting metric tensor) have a homogeneous dependence on the tangent directions of spacetime, we construct the appropriate configuration bundles whose sections are such homogeneous fields; on these configuration bundles, the tools of coordinate free calculus of variations can be consistently applied to obtain field equations. Moreover, we prove that the general covariance of natural Finsler field Lagrangians leads to an averaged energy–momentum conservation law that, in the particular case of Lorentzian spacetimes, is equivalent to the usual pointwise energy–momentum covariant conservation law.