Do existing EFE solutions support Closed Timelike Curves?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of Einstein Field Equation (EFE) solutions that support Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs). Key examples include Gödel spacetime, the interior of a Kerr black hole, and the Tipler cylinder, all of which demonstrate the potential for CTCs while violating various energy conditions. Gödel's original solution does not include black holes, although Kerr-Gödel-type solutions may. Current consensus among physicists is that these solutions are not considered plausible models for our Universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein Field Equations (EFE)
  • Familiarity with Lorentzian metrics
  • Knowledge of spacetime topology
  • Concept of energy conditions in general relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Gödel spacetime and its implications for CTCs
  • Explore Kerr black hole solutions and their properties
  • Study the Tipler cylinder and its theoretical framework
  • Investigate current theories on the plausibility of CTCs in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and students of general relativity interested in the implications of CTCs and the nature of spacetime solutions in the context of EFE.

cianfa72
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TL;DR
About the existence of EFE solutions supporting Closed Timelike Curves
Hi, I'm curious about the following: taking the point of view of the standard physics of spacetime including EFE's solutions, are there solutions that admit Closed Timelike Curves (CTC) ?

In other words: do exist global topologies and Lorentzian metrics solutions of the EFE that support CTCs ?

Thanks.
 
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cianfa72 said:
TL;DR: About the existence of EFE solutions supporting Closed Timelike Curves

Hi, I'm curious about the following: taking the point of view of the standard physics of spacetime including EFE's solutions, are there solutions that admit Closed Timelike Curves (CTC) ?

In other words: do exist global topologies and Lorentzian metrics solutions of the EFE that support CTCs ?

Thanks.
Yes, of course. For example the Gödel spacetime.
 
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cianfa72 said:
TL;DR: About the existence of EFE solutions supporting Closed Timelike Curves

Hi, I'm curious about the following: taking the point of view of the standard physics of spacetime including EFE's solutions, are there solutions that admit Closed Timelike Curves (CTC) ?

In other words: do exist global topologies and Lorentzian metrics solutions of the EFE that support CTCs ?

Thanks.
There are many EFE solutions that violate some, several, or all of the energy conditions. In addition to Gödel's universe, the interior of a Kerr black hole or the Tipler cylinder.
 
javisot said:
There are many EFE solutions that violate some, several, or all of the energy conditions. In addition to Gödel's universe, the interior of a Kerr black hole or the Tipler cylinder.
Well, then, for instance in Gödel's universe, by following a suitable timelike path, one could came back to the event where the journey began.

Does the geometry/topology of Gödel's spacetime allow CTCs without having regions of infinite curvature or something like that (e.g. black holes) ?
 
cianfa72 said:
Well, then, for instance in Gödel's universe, by following a suitable timelike path, one could came back to the event where the journey began.

Does the geometry/topology of Gödel's spacetime allow CTCs without having regions of infinite curvature or something like that (e.g. black holes) ?
Gödel's original solution does not contain black holes. Other Kerr-Gödel-type solutions may include them, for example, https://arxiv.org/abs/1207.1984
 
javisot said:
Gödel's original solution does not contain black holes. Other Kerr-Gödel-type solutions may include them, for example, https://arxiv.org/abs/1207.1984
Do physicists think that Gödel or Kerr-Gödel-type solutions could be plausible models for our Universe ?
 
cianfa72 said:
Do physicists think that Gödel or Kerr-Gödel-type solutions could be plausible models for our Universe ?
No.

(Maybe some crazy physicist, but usually not)
 
Ok, therefore, according the today standard physics, there is no way to take a CTC journey or reach some (remote) region of spacetime via a whormhole or something like that..
 
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