Gravitational field calculation question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of gravitational fields in the context of electromagnetic fields, specifically exploring the relationship between electromagnetic stress-energy and gravitational effects. It includes theoretical considerations and mathematical formulations related to general relativity and electromagnetic theory.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that an electromagnetic field produces a gravitational field and seeks to understand how to calculate the gravitational field strength based on the electromagnetic field strength.
  • Another participant outlines the initial steps, mentioning the calculation of the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor and the use of Einstein field equations, noting the complexity due to non-linear coupling.
  • A participant confirms the substitution of the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor into the relevant equation for gravitational field calculations.
  • Questions arise regarding the units (SI or CGS) for calculating the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor and whether it should be solved as a matrix or an equation.
  • A specific form of the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor is provided, along with references to external resources for further explanation.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario involving a machine that creates a non-rotating sphere of lasers and questions whether this would generate a gravitational field.
  • Another question is posed regarding the effects of time dilation near a black hole, specifically if it would be increased when approaching the black hole closely without being torn apart or rotating around it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints and questions, indicating that multiple competing ideas and uncertainties remain regarding the calculations and implications of gravitational fields produced by electromagnetic fields. No consensus is reached on the specific outcomes or methods discussed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential dependencies on the definitions of units and the mathematical treatment of tensors, as well as unresolved aspects of the hypothetical scenarios presented.

Monster99d
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I do believe that somewhere I have read that an electromagnetic field does produce a gravitational field.

So, considering the statement above, how can one calculate the strength of a gravitational field if the strength of an electromagnetic field is given?
 
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Hi Monster99d, welcome to PF!

The first step is to calculate the electromagnetic stress energy tensor. Then, from that, you solve the Einstein field equations like normal. It is complicated because everything becomes coupled and non linear, so usually you just do it perturbatively.
 
Ok. So I substitute the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor (T^μv) into the equation:

[8(3.1415)G/c^4] * Tμv

as Tμv, correct?
 
And for the electromagnetic stess-energy tensor; would I calculate it in SI units or CGS units? Also do I need to solve it as a matrix or just as an equation?
 
Another question; in Dr. Mallett's papers, he has shown that a ring laser does produce a gravitational field.

So, if one constructed a machine that creates a non rotating sphere of lasers by taking a laser source and simply bouncing it off of several mirrors, would that create a gravitational field?

Another question; would time dilation be increased if you were as close to a black hole as possible without being ripped apart or rotating around it?
 

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