Expansion of a trapped surface - clarification needed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the clarification of the expansion of trapped surfaces in the context of black hole physics, specifically referencing the article on arXiv (http://arxiv.org/abs/0711.0313) and Eric Poisson's book. The key equations discussed include the reconstruction of the metric as Qab = Gab + NaLa and the definition of expansion as the derivative of the cross-sectional area of the geodesic congruence. A common point of confusion arises from the distinction between equations (1) and (2) in the article and equation (2.28) in Poisson's book, leading to a clarification of the correct formulation of the metric.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trapped surfaces in general relativity
  • Familiarity with null vectors and their properties
  • Knowledge of covariant derivatives in differential geometry
  • Basic comprehension of metrics in the context of general relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of geodesic congruences in general relativity
  • Review Eric Poisson's book, focusing on equations (2.14) and (2.28)
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of trapped surfaces in black hole physics
  • Investigate the implications of metric reconstruction in general relativity
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of general relativity, and researchers focusing on black hole dynamics and the mathematical aspects of trapped surfaces.

TomCurious
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Homework Statement



I was just reading this article on the arXiv: http://arxiv.org/abs/0711.0313 , which discusses trapped surfaces and black holes.
There is a simple qualm I have, though, but it is persistent, and I cannot seem to come to terms with it.

Looking at equation's (1) and (2) of the document, we find (forgive me, I do not know latex:

Expansion along n = metric dually contracted with covariant derivative of one null vector +n*l*covariant derivative of n + l*n*covariant derivative of n,

where n and l are the two null vectors which are normal to the trapped surface.

Homework Equations



On the surface, we can reconstruct the metric as Qab = Gab + NaLa
(taken from Eric Poisson's book)

Expansion can easily be defined as the derivative of the cross-sectional area of the geodesic congruence, divided by the area. Going infinitesimal, and using some Differential Geometry, this is equivalent to the surface metric (Qab) fully contracted with the covariant derivative of one of null vectors.


The Attempt at a Solution



Perhaps the error lies in the definition, that is to say, Qab = Gab + NaLa + LaNa ? It is a fine point, but one that I cannot seem to find the answer to.
 
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TomCurious said:
On the surface, we can reconstruct the metric as Qab = Gab + NaLa
(taken from Eric Poisson's book)

Where is this in Poisson's book?
TomCurious said:
Perhaps the error lies in the definition, that is to say, Qab = Gab + NaLa + LaNa ?

See equation (2.28) from (the hard-copy version of) Poisson's book.
 
Oh, I see. Thank you very much! I was looking at equation (2.14) - my bad!
 

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