Search results for "geodesic"

Probing Models of Extended Gravity using Gravity Probe B and LARES experiments

2014

We consider models of Extended Gravity and in particular, generic models containing scalar-tensor and higher-order curvature terms, as well as a model derived from noncommutative spectral geometry. Studying, in the weak-field approximation, the geodesic and Lense-Thirring processions, we impose constraints on the free parameters of such models by using the recent experimental results of the Gravity Probe B and LARES satellites.

Distance of matter inside an Einstein-Strauss vacuole

2008

Relative velocities for radial motion in expanding Robertson-Walker spacetimes

2011

The expansion of space, and other geometric properties of cosmological models, can be studied using geometrically defined notions of relative velocity. In this paper, we consider test particles undergoing radial motion relative to comoving (geodesic) observers in Robertson-Walker cosmologies, whose scale factors are increasing functions of cosmological time. Analytical and numerical comparisons of the Fermi, kinematic, astrometric, and the spectroscopic relative velocities of test particles are given under general circumstances. Examples include recessional comoving test particles in the de Sitter universe, the radiation-dominated universe, and the matter-dominated universe. Three distinct …

On the invariant symmetries of the D-metrics

2007

We analyze the symmetries and other invariant qualities of the $\mathcal{D}$-metrics (type D aligned Einstein Maxwell solutions with cosmological constant whose Debever null principal directions determine shear-free geodesic null congruences). We recover some properties and deduce new ones about their isometry group and about their quadratic first integrals of the geodesic equation, and we analyze when these invariant symmetries characterize the family of metrics. We show that the subfamily of the Kerr-NUT solutions are those admitting a Papapetrou field aligned with the Weyl tensor.

Relativistic holonomic fluids

1989

The notion of holonomic fluid in relativity is reconsidered. An intrinsic characterization of holonomic fluids, involving only the unit velocity, is given, showing that in spite of its dynamical appearance the notion of holonomic fluid is a kinematical notion. The relations between holonomic and thermodynamic perfect fluids are studied.

Lorentzian Comments on Stokes Parameters

2003

The popular Stokes statements about polarized light are interpreted in a Minkowskian language using a Lorentzian representation for the Stokes parameters and the degree of polarization. The evolution equations for Stokes parameters on a curved space-time are obtained using the parallel transport of the polarization vector along a null geodesic. The interest of these equations in Astrophysics and Relativistic Cosmology is outlined.

Anomalous partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms III: Abundance and incoherence

2020

Let $M$ be a closed 3-manifold which admits an Anosov flow. In this paper we develop a technique for constructing partially hyperbolic representatives in many mapping classes of $M$. We apply this technique both in the setting of geodesic flows on closed hyperbolic surfaces and for Anosov flows which admit transverse tori. We emphasize the similarity of both constructions through the concept of $h$-transversality, a tool which allows us to compose different mapping classes while retaining partial hyperbolicity. In the case of the geodesic flow of a closed hyperbolic surface $S$ we build stably ergodic, partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms whose mapping classes form a subgroup of the mapping…

Pappus type theorems for hypersurfaces in a space form

2002

In order to get further insight on the Weyl’s formula for the volume of a tubular hypersurface, we consider the following situation. Letc(t) be a curve in a space formM λ n of sectional curvature λ. LetP 0 be a totally geodesic hypersurface ofM λ n throughc(0) and orthogonal toc(t). LetC 0 be a hypersurface ofP 0. LetC be the hypersurface ofM λ n obtained by a motion ofC 0 alongc(t). We shall denote it byC PorC Fif it is obtained by a parallel or Frenet motion, respectively. We get a formula for volume(C). Among other consequences of this formula we get that, ifc(0) is the centre of mass ofC 0, then volume(C) ≥ volume(C),P),and the equality holds whenC 0 is contained in a geodesic sphere or…

Morse-Smale index theorems for elliptic boundary deformation problems.

2012

AbstractMorse-type index theorems for self-adjoint elliptic second order boundary value problems arise as the second variation of an energy functional corresponding to some variational problem. The celebrated Morse index theorem establishes a precise relation between the Morse index of a geodesic (as critical point of the geodesic action functional) and the number of conjugate points along the curve. Generalization of this theorem to linear elliptic boundary value problems appeared since seventies. (See, for instance, Smale (1965) [12], Uhlenbeck (1973) [15] and Simons (1968) [11] among others.) The aim of this paper is to prove a Morse–Smale index theorem for a second order self-adjoint el…

A metric characterization of Carnot groups

2013

We give a short axiomatic introduction to Carnot groups and their subRiemannian and subFinsler geometry. We explain how such spaces can be metrically described as exactly those proper geodesic spaces that admit dilations and are isometrically homogeneous.