Fast determination of the number of independent tensor components of physical properties of crystals with n-fold axes of symmetry (n > 2)

A method is outlined for determining in a simple way the number of independent tensor components of physical properties of crystals with an n-fold axis of symmetry, n being greater than 2. The procedure, which uses a change of axes to diagonalize the matrix of rotation, is illustrated in the case of the elastic tensor. The example of a trigonal crystal is given.