Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity

Details Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity

2012-01-16

arxiv.org/abs/1201.3304v1

Progress of Theoretical Physics, vol.126 (2011), 1157-1165

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Latex file, 10 pages

Scientific paper

We show that the Nariai-Bertotti Petrov type D, homogeneous solution of Einstein's vacuum field equations with a cosmological constant describes the space-time in the interaction region following the head-on collision of two homogeneous, plane gravitational shock waves each initially traveling in a vacuum containing no cosmological constant. A shock wave in this context has a step function profile in contrast to an impulsive wave which has a delta function profile. Following the collision two light-like signals, each composed of a plane, homogeneous light-like shell of matter and a plane, homogeneous impulsive gravitational wave, travel away from each other and a cosmological constant is generated in the interaction region. Furthermore a plane, light-like signal consisting of an electromagnetic shock wave accompanying a gravitational shock wave is described with the help of two real parameters, one for each wave. The head-on collision of two such light-like signals is examined and we show that if a simple algebraic relation is satisfied between the two pairs of parameters associated with each incoming light-like signal then the space-time in the interaction region following the collision is a Bertotti space-time which is a homogeneous solution of the vacuum Einstein-Maxwell field equations with a cosmological constant.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Collisions of Shock Waves in General Relativity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-410446