Time Dependent Exact Solutions of Einstein's Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for time-dependent exact solutions to Einstein's equations, particularly in the context of cosmological models and specific metrics. Participants explore various examples and clarify the nature of these solutions, including the Robertson-Walker solution and the Schwarzschild metric.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the Robertson-Walker cosmological solution as a well-known time-dependent solution for a homogeneous and isotropic universe.
  • Another participant mentions the pp wave spacetime as a potential example of a time-dependent solution.
  • A participant proposes the idea of an object in free fall radially within the Schwarzschild metric, questioning its relevance as a time-dependent solution.
  • Some participants clarify that while the coordinates of free-falling observers in the Schwarzschild metric may change over time, the metric itself is not time-dependent, thus not qualifying as a time-dependent solution to the Einstein Field Equations (EFE).
  • There is a discussion about the implications of a non-zero mass falling toward a larger mass, which could introduce time dependence, but participants note that no exact solution exists for this scenario as of the latest information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the Schwarzschild metric can be considered a time-dependent solution. While some argue that the metric remains static despite changing coordinates, others explore the implications of free-falling frames and potential scenarios involving gravitational radiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of their discussions, particularly regarding the absence of exact solutions for certain scenarios and the dependence on specific definitions of time dependence in the context of general relativity.

Vrbic
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Hello,
I am looking for some time dependent exact solution of Einsteins eqs. If I am right (if not please correct me) the easiest one is Robertson - Walker cosmological solution for homogeneous and isotropic universe (this use Oppenheimer and Snyder for collapse). I can't find another in common literature.
Is it some "easyone", not necessary physicaly relevant, solution? Or some list or something like that? I am really curious how such solution in metric form (lenght element) looks like.

Thank you for replies.
 
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This is probably just a dumb answer, but how about an object in free fall radially with the Schwarzschild metric?

Chet
 
Chestermiller said:
This is probably just a dumb answer, but how about an object in free fall radially with the Schwarzschild metric?

Chet

If you mean, free falling frame is time dependent "solution". My opinion is that if you are in spacetime described by Schwarzschild metric, you can transform to any frame but metric coefficient doesn't change. You can observe a test particle in free falling frame, it would have time-dependent coordinates (at least r), but measuring in this frame have to carry out by same metric.
If somebody has a comment to my point of view, please don't worry.
 
Chestermiller said:
how about an object in free fall radially with the Schwarzschild metric?

That wouldn't be a time-dependent solution to the EFE, because the metric is not time-dependent. More precisely, if you take a family of observers free-falling radially, all of them see the *same* metric at any given value of the radial coordinate ##r##, so all of their worldlines are exactly the same. The ##r## coordinates of each observer are time-dependent, but the observers' worldlines aren't solutions of the EFE, they're just solutions of the geodesic equation given a fixed metric. The metric is the solution of the EFE.
 
Chestermiller said:
This is probably just a dumb answer, but how about an object in free fall radially with the Schwarzschild metric?

Chet

PeterDonis said:
That wouldn't be a time-dependent solution to the EFE, because the metric is not time-dependent. More precisely, if you take a family of observers free-falling radially, all of them see the *same* metric at any given value of the radial coordinate ##r##, so all of their worldlines are exactly the same. The ##r## coordinates of each observer are time-dependent, but the observers' worldlines aren't solutions of the EFE, they're just solutions of the geodesic equation given a fixed metric. The metric is the solution of the EFE.

If you actually talked about a non-zero mass falling toward another much larger mass, that would be time dependent but there is no such exact solution (last I checked). Such a solution would (if exact) involve gravitational radiation.
 
Vrbic said:
If you mean, free falling frame is time dependent "solution". My opinion is that if you are in spacetime described by Schwarzschild metric, you can transform to any frame but metric coefficient doesn't change. You can observe a test particle in free falling frame, it would have time-dependent coordinates (at least r), but measuring in this frame have to carry out by same metric.
If somebody has a comment to my point of view, please don't worry.

PeterDonis said:
That wouldn't be a time-dependent solution to the EFE, because the metric is not time-dependent. More precisely, if you take a family of observers free-falling radially, all of them see the *same* metric at any given value of the radial coordinate ##r##, so all of their worldlines are exactly the same. The ##r## coordinates of each observer are time-dependent, but the observers' worldlines aren't solutions of the EFE, they're just solutions of the geodesic equation given a fixed metric. The metric is the solution of the EFE.

PAllen said:
If you actually talked about a non-zero mass falling toward another much larger mass, that would be time dependent but there is no such exact solution (last I checked). Such a solution would (if exact) involve gravitational radiation.
As I said, it was probably a naive answer. There is still a lot I would like to learn.

Chet
 

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