Solving Schwarzschild Field Equations in this Form

In summary: To solve for ##R_{\muu}## you would need to integrate the previous equation with respect to ##\theta##.
  • #1
bolbteppa
309
41
Applying Cartan's first and second structural equations to the vielbein forms
\begin{align}
e^t = A(r) dt , \ \ \ \ \ e^r = B(r) dr , \ \ \ \ \ e^{\theta} = C(r) d \theta , \ \ \ \ \ e^{\phi} = C(r) \sin \theta d \phi ,
\end{align}
taken from the metric
\begin{align}
ds^2 = A^2(r) dt^2 - B^2(r) dr^2 - C^2(r) d \theta^2 - C^2(r) \sin^2 (\theta) d \phi^2 , \ \ \ \ C(r) = r,
\end{align}
we end up with the Ricci curvature in the form
\begin{align}
R^t \, _t &= - \frac{1}{B^2}[\frac{A''}{A} - \frac{A'B'}{AB} + 2 \frac{A'}{Ar}] \\
R^r \, _r &= - \frac{1}{B^2}[\frac{A''}{A} - \frac{A'B'}{AB} - 2\frac{B'}{Br}] \\
R^{\theta} \, _{\theta} &= - \frac{1}{B^2}[- \frac{B'}{rB} + \frac{A'}{Ar} + \frac{1}{r^2}] + \frac{1}{r^2}= R^{\phi} \, _{\phi}.
\end{align}
This is the result in Zee's gravity, page 611, and at around 46 mins in this video (on setting ##C = r##).

My question is solving the equation
\begin{align}
R_{\mu \nu} = 0
\end{align}
with the Ricci curvature in this form to find the Schwarzschild line element, noting the curvature is a bit different from the usual form. By subtracting ##R^r \, _r## from ##R^t \, _t## we find
\begin{align}
\frac{A'}{A} + \frac{B'}{B} = 0,
\end{align}
but now using this in the ##R^{\theta} \, _{\theta}## curvature term, we get
\begin{align}
0 &= - \frac{1}{B^2}[- \frac{B'}{rB} + \frac{A'}{Ar} + \frac{1}{r^2}] + \frac{1}{r^2} \\
&= - \frac{1}{B^2}[- \frac{B'}{rB} - \frac{B'}{Br} + \frac{1}{r^2}] + \frac{1}{r^2} \\
&= - \frac{1}{B^2}[- 2 \frac{B'}{rB} + \frac{1}{r^2}] + \frac{1}{r^2} \\
&= \frac{1}{B^2}[2r \frac{B'}{B} - 1] + 1 \\
&= 2r \frac{B'}{B} - 1 + B^2 \\
&= 2rB' - B + B^3
\end{align}
which does not reduce to a total derivative (as it usually should) allowing us to solve the equations.

What has gone wrong and how does one solve the equations in this form?
 
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  • #2
If all the calculations a correct, the last equation can be solved. You can separate the variables.
 
  • #3
Thank you, yes this does seem to give the right solution

https://www.symbolab.com/solver/ordinary-differential-equation-calculator/2xy'-y+y^{3}=0

I was more expecting it to be literally the exact same as the method in the link (ending up with a total derivative) and didn't even think to solve it directly yet, wonder why it doesn't (perhaps need to make it an exact ode using integrating factors or something).
 
  • #4
In the link that you call the usual form the equations is ##R_{\theta\theta}=0##, here you are looking at ##R^\theta_{\;\;\theta}=0##.
 

1. What are Schwarzschild field equations?

Schwarzschild field equations are a set of equations that describe the curvature of space-time caused by a massive, non-rotating object. They were first derived by Karl Schwarzschild in 1916 and are an important part of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. What is the form of Schwarzschild field equations?

The form of Schwarzschild field equations is a set of two equations, known as the Einstein field equations, which relate the curvature of space-time to the distribution of matter and energy in the universe.

3. What is the significance of solving Schwarzschild field equations in this form?

Solving Schwarzschild field equations in this form allows us to understand the behavior of gravity around massive objects and make predictions about the motion of objects in the universe.

4. How are Schwarzschild field equations solved?

Schwarzschild field equations are solved using advanced mathematical techniques, such as tensor calculus and differential geometry. These equations are highly complex and require sophisticated mathematical tools to be solved.

5. What are some applications of solving Schwarzschild field equations in this form?

Solving Schwarzschild field equations in this form has many practical applications, such as predicting the behavior of black holes and understanding the gravitational lensing effect. It also plays a crucial role in the development of technologies such as GPS, which use the principles of general relativity to make precise measurements of time and space.

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