Schwarzschild metric in 3-dimensional space-time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exploration of the Schwarzschild solution in a 3-dimensional space-time framework, specifically focusing on the challenges of deriving this solution from a 2-dimensional spatial perspective. Participants are examining the implications of the Schwarzschild metric when applied to a reduced dimensionality and the resulting characteristics of the Ricci tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in deriving the Schwarzschild solution for 3-dimensional space-time, noting that substituting certain variables leads to a flat metric, which seems incorrect.
  • Another participant suggests using the weak-field approximation based on Newtonian gravity, proposing that the gravitational potential in 2 dimensions leads to a specific form of the metric.
  • A third participant references a source discussing the Schwarzschild solution in arbitrary dimensions, indicating that black hole solutions do not exist in 2 dimensions, which aligns with the calculations presented.
  • One participant attempts to confirm the nonexistence of black holes in 3-dimensional space-time through symbolic computation, concluding that the Ricci tensor results do not support a vacuum solution.
  • Another participant questions the application of Newton's law of gravity in 2 dimensions, arguing that it should remain consistent with 3-dimensional gravity, leading to a potential contradiction in the gravitational potential derived.
  • There is mention of the BTZ black hole as a relevant example of a 2+1 dimensional black hole, prompting further inquiry into the implications of the Schwarzschild solution in this context.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the flatness of the Schwarzschild solution in 3-dimensional space-time without a cosmological constant, seeking clarification on this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of the Schwarzschild solution in 3-dimensional space-time. There are competing views regarding the implications of the calculations and the existence of black hole solutions, with some participants asserting that the solution should be flat while others raise questions about this conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the Ricci tensor is determined by the metric tensor, and the calculations lead to differential equations that suggest flat space-time. However, the implications of dimensionality and the nature of gravitational solutions remain unresolved.

  • #31
As Dickfore points out, the 3D Einstein equation has a completely different physical character than the 4D one. All degrees of freedom in the curvature are locally determined by the matter distribution. This means, for example, that there can be no gravitational radiation. And there can be no analog of the Schwarzschild solution.

What might be more interesting is to look at a 2+1 slice of a static, vacuum, cylindrically symmetric 3+1 solution. This describes the Levi-Civita metric:
<br /> ds^2 = - \rho^{4 \alpha} d t^2 + \rho^{4 \alpha (2 \alpha-1)} ( d \rho^2 + d z^2 ) + \beta^{-2} \rho^{2-4\alpha} d \phi^2 .<br />
\alpha can be interpreted as a mass/length and \beta is an angular defect parameter.
 

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