Can a Maximally Rotating Black Hole be Defined by the Kerr Metric?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and characteristics of a maximally rotating black hole, particularly in the context of the Kerr metric. Participants explore theoretical aspects, mathematical formulations, and implications of angular momentum and charge in black holes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a maximally rotating black hole can be defined by the equation 4α² = r_s², relating to the inner event horizon of the Kerr metric.
  • There are discussions about reducing the parameters to a = M or a/M = 1, where r_s = 2M, indicating a relationship between the spin and mass of the black hole.
  • One participant introduces the concept of maximum angular momentum J_max when charge is included, suggesting that J_max = M²√(1 - Q²/M²) and proposes a corresponding maximum charge Q_max.
  • Another point raised is the potential confusion in notation, particularly regarding the use of α for both the spin parameter and the redshift factor in the Kerr metric.
  • Participants discuss the dimensionless spin parameter a_* and its representation, noting that it is commonly used to express the ratio of angular momentum to maximum angular momentum.
  • There are mathematical derivations presented, including the relationship between angular momentum and the Schwarzschild radius, and how these can be expressed in terms of dimensionless parameters.
  • One participant questions the implications of a singularity existing under certain conditions, specifically regarding radial velocity and its relation to the event horizon becoming imaginary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the definitions and implications of a maximally rotating black hole, with no consensus reached on the interpretations or the mathematical formulations presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved assumptions about the definitions of parameters, the dependence on specific mathematical formulations, and the implications of charge and angular momentum on the nature of black holes.

Imax
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Is it possible to define a maximally rotating black hole? Could it be:

4\alpha^2 = r_s^2

(i.e. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerr_metric, inner event horizon)
 
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Hi steve:

Having problems with LaTex. see attached
 

Attachments

Last edited:
It's also worth noting that when charge is included, Jmax becomes-

J_{max}=M^2\sqrt{1-\frac{Q^2}{M^2}}

which means the following should also apply-

Q_{max}\equiv M\sqrt{1-\frac{a^2}{M^2}}

The above can reduce (for a maximal BH) to-

a^2+Q^2=M^2

where M=Gm/c^2,\ a=j/mc and Q=C\sqrt(G k_e)/c^2

where M and Q are mass and charge in geometric units and m and C are the SI units respectively, a is the spin parameter (normally J is used for both geometric and SI units for angular momentum but for some clarity I've used j to represent SI units and J to represent geometric units).

where there's no charge-

J_{max}=M^2

for a non-maximal, non-charged rotating black hole-

J=Ma

(while wiki are happy to use \alpha to represent the spin parameter, this could get confusing later on when using the redshift or reduction factor in Kerr metric which is more commonly represented by \alpha also).

Event horizons for a black hole with both spin and charge (Kerr-Newman) is represented by-

r_{\pm}=M \pm \sqrt{M^2-Q^2-a^2}
 
Last edited:
stevebd1 said:
(while wiki are happy to use \alpha to represent the spin parameter, this could get confusing later on when using the redshift or reduction factor in Kerr metric which is more commonly represented by \alpha also).

So it would be less confusing if I used the symbole a? What would be a common symbole (good symbole) to use for the dimensionless spin parameter:

\frac{cJ}{GM^2}

I've seen a_{*} and \chi.
 
Imax said:
What would be a common symbole (good symbole) to use for the dimensionless spin parameter:

\frac{cJ}{GM^2}

I've seen a_{*} and \chi.

a_{*} or a^* appear to be used the most to represent a/M though I've also seen \bar{a}.
 
Imax said:
Having problems with LaTex. see attached
I think I may have solved my problem with Latex. This is what was in the attachement:

4\alpha^2=4\left ( \frac{J}{Mc} \right )^2=4\frac{J^2}{M^2c^2}=r_s^2=\left ( \frac{2GM}{c^2} \right )^2=4\frac{G^2M^2}{c^4}

Isolating J gives the maximum angular momentum as:

J_{max}=\frac{GM^2}{c}

And also limits a to:

\alpha_{max}=\frac{J_{max}}{Mc}=\frac{1}{Mc}\left ( \frac{GM^2}{c} \right )=\frac{GM}{c^2}=\frac{1}{2}r_s

Seems like hitting the preview button too many times is not a good idea.
 
The angular momentum J for any black hole should be between 0 and J_{max}, so, for any black hole, J can be defined as some fraction of the maximum:

J=a_*J_{max}

0\leq a_*\leq 1

with a_* a dimensionless spin parameter:

a_*=\frac{J}{J_{max}}=J\frac{1}{J_{max}}=\frac{cJ}{GM^2}

The value a_*=0 corresponds to a Schwarzschild black hole and a_*=1 to an extreme Kerr black hole. According to this equation, the value of a for any black hole is:

a=\frac{J}{Mc}=a_*\frac{J_{max}}{Mc}=\frac{a_*}{2}r_s

If, for any black hole, the radius r can be expressed as a multiple of r_s then

r=nr_s

n=\frac{r}{r_s}

n\geq 1

Substituting r with nr_s and a with

\frac{a_*}{2}r_s

can simplify (??) some equations.
 
As an example, according to Wiki, the Kerr Metric is equivalent to a co-rotating reference frame that rotates with angular speed \Omega, and this angular speed depends on both the radius r and the colatitude \theta:

\Omega =- \frac{g_{t\phi}}{g_{\phi \phi}}=\frac{r_sarc}{\rho^2(r^2+a^2)+r_sa^2 r \sin^2\theta }

\rho ^2=r^2+a^2\cos^2\theta

Substituting r with nr_s and a with

\frac{a_*}{2}r_s

gives, after about a page of math, something like:

\Omega =\frac{c}{r_s}\left ( \frac{8na_*}{16n^4+4n^2a_*^2+4n^2a_*^2\cos^2\theta+4na_*^2\sin^2\theta+a_*^4\cos^2\theta } \right )

Or

\Omega =\frac{c}{r_s}p(n,a_*,\theta)

The angular speed is given by the speed of light divided by the Schwarzschild radius times a polynomial p(n,a_*,\theta) which is a dimensionless scale factor given by:

p(n,a_*,\theta)=\frac{8na_*}{16n^4+4n^2a_*^2+4n^2a_*^2\cos^2\theta+4na_*^2\sin^2\theta+a_*^4\cos^2\theta }

n=\frac{r}{r_s}=\frac{rc^2}{2GM}\geq 1

a_*=\frac{J}{J_{max}}=\frac{Jc}{GM^2}\leq 1
 
  • #10
?

Are you trying to suggest that a singularity would ease to exist if its radial velocity was approx. 15% of "c"?
 
  • #11
Cold Winter said:
?

Are you trying to suggest that a singularity would ease to exist if its radial velocity was approx. 15% of "c"?

If J>J_{max} then the event horizon becomes imaginary with components of
\sqrt{-1}. The event horizon could disappear, leaving a naked singularity o=).

Where did 15% of c come from?
 
Last edited:

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