Practical definition of averages of tensors in general relativity
  We present a definition of tensor fields which are average of tensors over a manifold, with a straightforward and natural definition of derivative for the averaged fields; which in turn makes a suitable and practical construction for the study of averages of tensor fields that satisfy differential equations. Although we have in mind applications to general relativity, our presentation is applicable to a general n-dimensional manifold. The definition is based on the integration of scalars constructed from a physically motivated basis, making use of the least amount of geometrical structure. We also present definitions of covariant derivative of the averaged tensors and Lie derivative. 
Ezequiel F. Boero, Osvaldo M. Moreschi
gr-qc