General Relativity and continuum mechanics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between General Relativity (GR) and continuum mechanics, highlighting heuristic connections that exist between the two fields. Engineering students exploring these connections can reference the works of Jacobson, particularly his papers on GR and information theory, which touch upon non-equilibrium physics. While the connections vary in strength and spirit, they provide a foundation for further exploration into how gravity relates to continuous media. Specific inquiries into aspects of GR can yield more targeted insights into their interrelation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity principles
  • Familiarity with continuum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of non-equilibrium physics
  • Basic grasp of information theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Jacobson's paper on the relationship between GR and information theory
  • Explore the implications of non-equilibrium physics in continuum mechanics
  • Investigate specific aspects of GR that relate to material behavior
  • Study the mathematical frameworks used in both GR and continuum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineering students, physicists, and researchers interested in the intersections of General Relativity and continuum mechanics, particularly those exploring the implications of gravity in continuous media.

niahl
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Hello! I started learning relativity recently and I'm an engineering student. I can't stop drawing similarities between the nature of gravity and behaviour of continuous media in the field of continuum mechanics. Is there some direct connection and if so, has something like this been explored already?
 
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Yes but there are a variety of heuristic connections between continuum mechanics and GR and they are different in spirit and strength. If you want specifics then you yourself will have to be more specific on what aspects of GR you would like to see connected to continuum mechanics.

At the most fundamental level one has the following classic results by Jacobson:
http://arxiv.org/pdf/1505.04753.pdf
http://arxiv.org/pdf/gr-qc/9504004v2.pdf

Granted, the first paper is more of a relationship between GR and information theory than it is continuum mechanics but it does involve very similar non-equilibrium physics.
 

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