Deriving GR from maximum power

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of General Relativity (GR) field equations from the principle of maximum power radiation, specifically referencing MTW's argument on page 980 that the maximum power radiated from any system is approximately 10^53 W. Jacobson's paper, "Thermodynamics of spacetime: the Einstein equation of state," published in PRL 75 (1995), provides a foundational basis for this derivation. Additionally, C. Schiller's work in Motion Mountain, v. II, chapter 4, attempts to present these concepts at a more accessible level, although it suffers from inconsistencies in mathematical sophistication. Related literature includes Padmanabhan's "Gravity: The Inside Story," which further explores these themes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity principles
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics in the context of spacetime
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical physics
  • Awareness of key literature in gravitational research
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Jacobson's "Thermodynamics of spacetime: the Einstein equation of state" for foundational insights
  • Examine C. Schiller's Motion Mountain, v. II, chapter 4 for a simplified approach to the topic
  • Explore Padmanabhan's "Gravity: The Inside Story" for additional context and depth
  • Investigate the implications of maximum power radiation in theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, researchers in gravitational studies, and students seeking to understand the intersection of thermodynamics and General Relativity.

bcrowell
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MTW has a cute argument on p. 980 that the maximum power radiated from any system is a fixed number, about 10^53 W. I came across this and filed it away as a piece of cool trivia. But it turns out that apparently you can derive the GR field equations from nothing more than the assumption that there is a maximum power across any surface:

Jacobson, "Thermodynamics of spacetime: the Einstein equation of state," PRL 75 (1995) 1260, http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9504004

C. Schiller has made an attempt to present this at a lower mathematical level in Motion Mountain, v. II, ch. 4: http://motionmountain.net/

Schiller's treatment, unforunately, seems to veer wildly between different levels of sophistication, and I wasn't able to make much of it.
 
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That's really cool.
 
Related: Padmanabhan, Gravity: The Inside Story, http://www.gravityresearchfoundation.org/pdf/awarded/2008/Padmanabhan_2008.pdf
 
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