I Final part of proof of timelike Killing w/ Frobenius --> static

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The discussion focuses on the implications of a timelike Killing vector satisfying the Frobenius condition, leading to the equation that describes its behavior. The solution indicates that the Killing vector can be expressed in terms of a scalar function, allowing for a coordinate transformation that simplifies the metric. The goal is to demonstrate that this transformation results in a metric where certain components vanish, indicating a static nature. The conclusion emphasizes that the resulting timelike congruence in the new coordinates is hypersurface orthogonal. This establishes a critical link between the properties of the Killing vector and the structure of spacetime.
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If ##V## is timelike Killing with Frobenius condition ##V_{[\alpha} \nabla_{\mu} V_{\nu]} = 0## then you can derive the equation:$$\nabla_{\mu} (|V|^2 V_{\nu}) - \nabla_{\nu} (|V|^2 V_{\mu}) = 0$$which has the solution$$V_{\alpha} = \partial_{\alpha} \phi \quad \mathrm{where} \quad \phi = x^0 + f(x^i)$$The final part of the proof is to show that you can use this function to transform the coordinates ##\bar{x} = \bar{x}(x)## such that ##\bar{g}_{0i} = 0## and ##\partial_0 \bar{g}_{\mu \nu} = 0##. I don't see it?
 
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ergospherical said:
The final part of the proof is to show that you can use this function to transform the coordinates ##\bar{x} = \bar{x}(x)## such that ##\bar{g}_{0i} = 0## and ##\partial_0 \bar{g}_{\mu \nu} = 0##. I don't see it?
I don't know the details of such proof, however the result is that the timelike congruence at rest in such a chart with coordinates ##\bar x## (i.e. the set of timelike worldlines described by fixed spacelike coordinates in this chart) turns out to be hypersurface orthogonal.
 
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Moderator's note: Spin-off from another thread due to topic change. In the second link referenced, there is a claim about a physical interpretation of frame field. Consider a family of observers whose worldlines fill a region of spacetime. Each of them carries a clock and a set of mutually orthogonal rulers. Each observer points in the (timelike) direction defined by its worldline's tangent at any given event along it. What about the rulers each of them carries ? My interpretation: each...

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