SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the energy of a closed universe as defined by its Hamiltonian, which is zero when the spacetime adheres to constraint equations. Participants reference Wald's work and the implications of pseudotensors in general relativity, particularly in relation to Vilenkin's concepts of positive and negative energy. The conversation highlights the challenges of reconciling these concepts with the physical interpretation of energy in a closed universe, emphasizing the importance of peer-reviewed literature over informal sources like Wikipedia. The limitations of Tryon's model, particularly regarding conserved quantities and gravitational potential energy in non-stationary spacetimes, are also critically examined.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics in the context of general relativity.
- Familiarity with pseudotensors and their role in energy definitions within general relativity.
- Knowledge of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) metric and its implications for closed universe models.
- Awareness of peer-reviewed literature in cosmology and theoretical physics.
NEXT STEPS
- Study Wald's "General Relativity" for a comprehensive understanding of Hamiltonian formulations.
- Research the role of pseudotensors in general relativity through peer-reviewed articles.
- Examine the implications of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric in cosmological models.
- Investigate the criticisms and developments surrounding Tryon's quantum fluctuation model in contemporary literature.
USEFUL FOR
The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and graduate students focusing on general relativity, energy conservation in cosmological models, and the implications of pseudotensors in physics.
As I noted before, two of the people you would need to convince are Vilenkin and Guth.