Killing vectors in Robertson-Walker mertric

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Killing vectors associated with the Robertson-Walker metric, specifically the metric defined as g=dt^2 - a^2(t)(dx^2+dy^2+dz^2)/(1+(x^2+y^2+z^2)/4). Participants explore the existence of additional Killing vectors beyond the known rotational generators, such as L_z=x∂_y - y∂_x. The conversation highlights the metric's spatial homogeneity and its translation symmetry, which is not immediately evident in the given coordinates. The discussion also touches on the implications of considering different curvature cases, particularly k=0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Robertson-Walker metric
  • Familiarity with Killing vectors in differential geometry
  • Knowledge of spatial homogeneity and isotropy concepts
  • Basic grasp of Riemannian manifolds and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Killing vectors in general relativity
  • Study the implications of different curvature parameters (k=0, k=1) in cosmological models
  • Explore the relationship between spatial isometry groups and Killing vectors
  • Examine the role of translation symmetry in the context of the Robertson-Walker metric
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and mathematicians interested in general relativity, differential geometry, and the study of symmetries in cosmological models.

paweld
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Let's consider the following metric:
[tex] g=dt^2 - a^2(t)\frac{dx^2+dy^2+dz^2}{1+\frac{x^2+y^2+z^2}{4}}[/tex]
It can be also express in different coordinates as:
[tex] g=dt^2 - a^2(t)\left( \frac{dr^2}{1-r^2} + r^2(\sin^2(\theta) d\varphi^2+\theta^2) \right)[/tex]

Of course it admits killing vetctors which are generators of rotations:
[tex] L_z=x\partial_y - y\partial_x, \ldots[/tex]
Can anyone found different killing vector?
This metric describes spatialy homogenous universe so it should have
translation symmetry but it's not apparent in this coordinates.
Why it's hidden?
Thanks for any replies.
 
Last edited:
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Sorry for picking this up so late. Did you mean to omit [itex]k[/itex], i.e., did you mean to consider only the [itex]k = 1[/itex] case? If so, do you know do which Riemannian manifold models each spatial section, and can you guess what the spatial isometry group is?

It might be helpful to consider first the [itex]k=0[/itex] case.
 

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