How Do GR Equations of Motion Describe Singularities in 4D Space-Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations of motion (EOMs) for a 4D space-time featuring a plane singularity at x=0. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and potential solutions to these equations, emphasizing the complexity of the differential equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two equations of motion and requests assistance with solving them, indicating a lack of familiarity with differential equations.
  • Another participant proposes a solution approach involving substitutions and transformations, leading to a separable ordinary differential equation (ODE).
  • A later reply expresses confusion regarding the proposed solution and seeks clarification on the differentiation variables used in the equations.
  • Further assistance is provided with a detailed breakdown of the transformations and integrals necessary to solve the ODE, culminating in expressions for y(t) and τ(t).
  • The original poster acknowledges the help received and indicates improved understanding of the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the ease of the proposed solutions, with some expressing difficulty in understanding the steps while others provide detailed mathematical guidance. The discussion remains exploratory without definitive conclusions on the solutions to the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the mathematical concepts involved, indicating potential limitations in understanding the transformations and the nature of the equations. The discussion includes unresolved steps in the mathematical derivations.

Mentz114
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These are the EOMs for a 4D space-time that has a plane singularity at x=0. They are simpler than most, but as I've confessed before, I need help with even the simplest DE's. This is not a home-work question.

[tex]x\frac{d^2\tau}{dt^2} - \frac{d\tau}{dt}\frac{dx}{dt} = 0[/tex]

[tex]x^3\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + \frac{m^2}{2}(\frac{d\tau}{dt})^2 - \frac{x^2}{2}(\frac{dx}{dt})^2 = 0[/tex]

Any solutions gratefully received and will be acknowledged.

M
 
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If [itex]x(t)=c_1,\,\tau(t)=c_2[/itex] then the equations are satisfied.
If [itex]x(t)\neq 0,\,\tau(t) \neq c_2[/itex] then from the 1st equation we have

[tex]\frac{\tau''}{\tau'}=\frac{x'}{x}\Rightarrow x=C\,\tau'[/tex]

Plugging this result to the 2nd equation we have

[tex]\tau'\,(2\,C^4\,\tau'\,\tau'''-C^4\,(\tau'')^2+m^2)=0\Rightarrow \tau'\,\tau'''-\frac{1}{2}\,(\tau'')^2+\frac{m^2}{2\,C^4}=0 \quad \text{since} \quad \tau'\neq 0[/tex]

Now set [itex]\tau'=\frac{m}{C^2}\,y[/itex], thus

[tex]y\,y''-\frac{1}{2}\,y'^2+\frac{1}{2}=0 \quad (\ast)[/tex]

With the substitution
[tex]y(t) \rightarrow \theta,\,t\rightarrow u(\theta),\,y'(t) \rightarrow \frac{1}{u'(\theta)},\, y''(t) \rightarrow -\frac{u''(\theta)}{u'(\theta)^3}[/tex]
makes the last equation

[tex]\frac{u''(\theta)}{u'(\theta)\,(u'(\theta)^2-1)}=\frac{1}{2\,\theta}[/tex]

which is a 1st order separable ODE.
Thus from the last one we can find [itex]u(\theta)[/itex] and from [itex](\ast), y(t)[/itex] and finally [itex]\tau(t)[/itex]
 
Last edited:
Thanks again, RainbowChild. Unfortunately what you've left looks just as difficult as the original to me and I wouldn't know where to begin to solve it.

I'll go and look up 'separable'.

[later]
So, I need to write the last equation the form

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = h(x)g(y)[/tex]

but I don't understand your last equation, are the primes still differentiation wrt t ?

the nearest I can get is this

[tex]\frac{dU}{dt} = \frac{1}{\theta}U(U^2-1)[/tex]

I'm sorry, I'm at sea here.
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry, I'm at sea here.

Ok, let me throw you a life jacket! :smile:

For

[tex]\frac{u''(\theta)}{u'(\theta)\,(u'(\theta)^2-1)}=\frac{1}{2\,\theta}[/tex]

let [itex]u'(\theta)=z(\theta)[/itex] thus

[tex]\frac{z'(\theta)}{z(\theta)\,(z(\theta)^2-1)}=\frac{1}{2\,\theta}\Rightarrow \int \frac{d\,z}{z\,(z^2-1)}=\int \frac{d\,\theta}{2\,\theta} \Rightarrow \ln\frac{z^2-1}{z^2}=\ln\theta+C_1 \Rightarrow[/tex]

[tex]z(\theta)=\pm \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-C_1\,\theta}}\Rightarrow u'(\theta)=\pm \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-C_1\,\theta}}\Rightarrow u(\theta)=\pm \frac{2}{C_1}\,\sqrt{1-C_1\,\theta}-C_2[/tex]

which yields to

[tex]t=\pm \frac{2}{C_1}\,\sqrt{1-C_1\,y(t)}-C_2\Rightarrow y(t)=-\frac{1}{4\,C_1}\,\left((t+C_2)^2\,C_1^2-4\right)[/tex]

Now use [itex]\tau'=\frac{m}{C^2}\,y[/itex], in order to calculate [itex]\tau(t)[/itex]

I hope that clears up things! :smile:
 
That helps a lot, thanks. My head is above water.

M
 

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