Raychaudhuri equation for shear

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In summary, the conversation discusses proving that R_{cbad} V^c V^d + h_{ab} R_{cd} V^c V^d / 3 can be written as C_{cbad} V^c V^d + \tilde{R}_{ab} / 2, where \tilde{R}_{ab} is the spatial, trace-free part of R_{ab}. The Riemann tensor is shown to be symmetric when contracted with V^c V^d, and this plus its usual symmetries makes R_{cbda} V^c V^d symmetric over a and b. To prove this, the Riemann tensor must be decomposed into the Wey
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julian
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Following Wald I have nearly got the right answer out for time derivative for shear...what I am left with is showing that [itex]R_{cbad} V^c V^d + h_{ab} R_{cd} V^c V^d / 3[/itex] (which is obviously symmetric and trace-free) can be written as [itex]C_{cbad} V^c V^d + \tilde{R}_{ab} / 2[/itex] where [itex]\tilde{R}_{ab}[/itex] is the spatial, trace-free part of [itex]R_{ab}[/itex], i.e. [itex]h_{ac} h_{bd} R^{cd} - h_{ab} h_{cd} R^{cd} / 3[/itex].

Is there an easy way of proving this?
 
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Is the Riemann tensor symmetric in ba?
 
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It is when contrcted by [itex]V^c V^d[/itex] cus that means you can take it to be symmetric over c and d, this plus the usual symmetries of [itex]R_{cbad}[/itex] makes [itex]R_{cbda} V^c V^d[/itex] symmetric over a and b.
 
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Right
 
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You have to replace the Riemann by it's decomposition into Weyl tensor ... which is given by the eq. 3.2.28 in Wald's book.
 

What is the Raychaudhuri equation for shear?

The Raychaudhuri equation for shear is a fundamental equation in the field of general relativity. It describes the evolution of the shear tensor, which measures the deformation of a physical system under the influence of gravity.

What is the significance of the Raychaudhuri equation for shear?

The Raychaudhuri equation for shear is important because it provides a mathematical framework for understanding the behavior of matter and energy in the presence of gravity. It has been used to study the expansion of the universe, the formation of black holes, and other phenomena related to gravitational forces.

How is the Raychaudhuri equation for shear derived?

The Raychaudhuri equation for shear is derived from the Einstein field equations, which describe the relationship between the curvature of space-time and the distribution of matter and energy. It is a result of applying the principle of general covariance to these equations.

What are the assumptions made in the Raychaudhuri equation for shear?

The Raychaudhuri equation for shear assumes that space-time is described by a four-dimensional manifold, that matter and energy are distributed uniformly throughout this manifold, and that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales.

How has the Raychaudhuri equation for shear been tested and confirmed?

The predictions of the Raychaudhuri equation for shear have been tested and confirmed through observations of the universe, such as the expansion of the universe and the behavior of light near massive objects. It has also been used in numerical simulations to study the behavior of matter and energy in extreme gravitational environments, such as near black holes.

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