Gravity Waves & Gravitomotive Force: Is Rotation Possible?

In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of gravity waves and their emission in different directions of space. It also mentions the similarities between electromagnetism and gravity, as well as limitations of the framework used to model gravity. The question of whether varying gravitomagnetic fields can cause a wheel to rotate is also brought up.
  • #1
snorkack
2,190
477
For a binary emitting gravity waves: are there any directions of space into which gravity waves are not emitted for reasons of symmetry?
Also:
a steadily rotating electric charge current causes a magnetostatic field
A steadily rotating mass must cause a gravitomagnetostatic field.
Electrostatic field of an electric monopole charge is a potential field. Its integral through any closed circuit is zero.
A gravitostatic field of a mass monopole charge is also a potential field. Its integral through any closed circuit is also zero.
When a magnetic field varies in time, it causes electromotive field. It is electric field, but it is allowed to have nonzero integral through closed circuits.
What happens when gravitomagnetic field varies through time, for example due to orbital movement?
Can varying gravitomagnetic field include a gravitomotive field, with nonzero integral over closed circuits?
In other words, can varying gravitomagnetic field cause a wheel to rotate?
 
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  • #2
There is a framework in which gravity is treated by analogy with electromagnetism:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitoelectromagnetism

This framework has limitations: for example, it is not covariant under coordinate transformations, as Maxwell's equations are. So it cannot model gravitational radiation. But it does give a good idea of which EM effects have reasonably close gravitational analogues.
 
  • #3
So, repeating the first question:
snorkack said:
For a binary emitting gravity waves: are there any directions of space into which gravity waves are not emitted for reasons of symmetry?
 
  • #4
snorkack said:
So, repeating the first question:

For a binary emitting gravity waves: are there any directions of space into which gravity waves are not emitted for reasons of symmetry?

I'd say yes, offhand, that there shouldn't be any GW emission in the directions in which the components of the quadrupole moment is constant. For instance, if the rotation is in the xy plane, and z is constant so that the integral of ##z^2 dm## is constant, I wouldn't expect any gravitational radiation in the z direction. But I don't have a rigorous proof, or a reference that says exactly this (Wiki and by memory several textbooks do say that you need a nonzero quadrupole moment to have gravitational radiation at all, but this doesn't quite say anything about the direction of the radiation).
 

1. What are gravity waves?

Gravity waves are disturbances in the fabric of space-time caused by the acceleration of massive objects. They propagate at the speed of light and were first predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. How are gravity waves different from electromagnetic waves?

Gravity waves are fundamentally different from electromagnetic waves in that they are caused by changes in the curvature of space-time, while electromagnetic waves are caused by changes in electric and magnetic fields. Gravity waves also interact differently with matter and cannot be shielded like electromagnetic waves.

3. What is gravitomotive force?

Gravitomotive force is a theoretical concept that describes the force exerted by gravity on a massive object due to its rotation. It is similar to the centrifugal force experienced by an object in circular motion, but in this case, it is caused by the curvature of space-time.

4. Is rotation possible in the presence of gravity waves?

Yes, rotation is possible in the presence of gravity waves. In fact, the existence of gravity waves was confirmed by observing the rotation of binary pulsars. However, the rotation may be affected by the gravitomotive force, which can cause changes in the object's trajectory.

5. Can gravity waves be used for space travel?

At this point, it is not possible to use gravity waves for space travel as they are extremely weak and difficult to detect and manipulate. However, ongoing research and advancements in technology may lead to potential applications in the future.

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