Lorentz Fitzgerald contraction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction hypothesis and its implications for the classical motion of rigid bodies within the framework of special relativity. Participants explore the definitions and concepts of rigidity, particularly in relation to Born rigidity, and how these relate to the motion of objects at relativistic speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction contradicts the classical motion of rigid bodies, with some suggesting it does not.
  • Others assert that there is no classically rigid body in relativity, introducing the concept of Born rigidity as relevant to the discussion.
  • It is proposed that Born rigidity applies only when proper acceleration is involved, while others challenge this assertion, stating that Born rigid geodesic congruences can exist without acceleration.
  • Participants discuss the differences between Born rigid and non-Born rigid congruences of parallel inertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime, with some claiming that all such congruences are Born rigid.
  • There is a contention regarding the definition of a rigid body in special relativity, with some arguing that the classical definition is contradicted by relativity, while others emphasize the relativity of motion and the role of proper acceleration.
  • One participant highlights that internal forces in a body are not instantaneous in relativity, which complicates the notion of rigidity, and introduces the technical definition of Born rigidity involving zero expansion and shear in worldlines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the nature of rigidity in special relativity, the applicability of Born rigidity, and the implications of the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction. The discussion remains unresolved with no clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of rigidity and motion, as well as the unresolved conditions under which Born rigidity can be applied. The discussion also touches on the implications of the Herglotz-Noether theorem, which remains unexplored in detail.

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Does the lorentz fitzgerald contraction hypothesis contradicts the classical motion of rigid body?
I am not sure but i think it doesn't contradicts the classical motion of rigid body.
 
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There is no such thing as a classically rigid body in relativity. Google and search here for "Born rigidity" for more.
 
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Nugatory said:
There is no such thing as a classically rigid body in relativity. Google and search here for "Born rigidity" for more.
Born rigidity only applies when proper acceleration is involved it has absolutely nothing to do with relative motion without proper acceleration.
 
MeJennifer said:
Born rigidity only applies when proper acceleration is involved

This is not correct. It is perfectly possible to have a Born rigid geodesic congruence. The simplest example is a congruence of parallel inertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime.
 
PeterDonis said:
This is not correct. It is perfectly possible to have a Born rigid geodesic congruence. The simplest example is a congruence of parallel inertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime.
Ok then, what is the difference between a Born rigid and a non Born rigid congruence of parallel intertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime?

If there is no acceleration it is totally useless to talk about something being Born rigid.
 
MeJennifer said:
what is the difference between a Born rigid and a non Born rigid congruence of parallel intertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime?

The first one exists and the second one doesn't. Every congruence of parallel inertial worldlines in Minkowski spacetime is Born rigid.
 
"Does the lorentz fitzgerald contraction hypothesis contradicts the classical motion of rigid body?"
The classical definition of a rigid body, that it retains its shape when moving, is contradicted by special relativity. An SR definition of a rigid body is that it retains its shape in its instantaneous rest system, even while moving. You could look at
arXiv:1105.3899.
 
clem said:
"Does the lorentz fitzgerald contraction hypothesis contradicts the classical motion of rigid body?"
The classical definition of a rigid body, that it retains its shape when moving, is contradicted by special relativity. An SR definition of a rigid body is that it retains its shape in its instantaneous rest system, even while moving. You could look at
arXiv:1105.3899.
What is your definition of moving?

In SR there is no such thing as absolute movement, all movement is relative.
What is not relative is proper acceleration.
 
clem said:
An SR definition of a rigid body is that it retains its shape in its instantaneous rest system, even while moving.

This isn't a good definition as it stands, since, as MeJennifer points out, "moving" has no absolute meaning in relativity.

In relativity, there is no such thing as a "rigid body" in the classical sense, because internal forces between different parts of an object are not instantaneous; they can only be transmitted at the speed of light. The best that can be done in relativity is Born rigidity. The technical definition of Born rigidity is that the congruence of worldlines that describes the body (one worldline for each point in the body) must have zero expansion and shear. Heuristically, this means the distances between different parts of the body are constant. However, the conditions under which this is even possible are quite restrictive, much more so than in Newtonian physics, because of the Herglotz-Noether theorem (which you can look up for more info).
 

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