Unstable 5D Theories: The Search for Stable Black Holes in Higher Dimensions

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    Relativity Stability
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the stability issues of five-dimensional (5D) theories, particularly those proposed by Paul Wesson and the Randall-Sundrum model. Participants explore concepts such as imaginary mass and gravitational collapse related to extra dimensions, as well as the implications of these instabilities for building models of black holes in higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions their advisor's caution regarding the instability of 5D theories, suggesting they require extensive corrections that may render them intractable.
  • The same participant expresses a desire to understand the specific stability problems, including issues like imaginary mass and gravitational collapse.
  • Another participant requests a link to the paper referenced by the original poster's advisor to facilitate discussion.
  • A subsequent reply provides the link to the paper and highlights a specific paragraph that is believed to discuss instability, although the participant admits to not understanding it fully.
  • Another participant suggests a different reference, "Black Holes in Higher Dimensions" by Gary Horowitz, as a potential resource for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the stability issues of 5D theories, and multiple viewpoints regarding the complexity and understanding of these theories remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's lack of expertise in the area, which may affect their understanding of the stability problems discussed in the referenced paper.

TomServo
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I tried a cursory search for this but couldn't find it.

I was talking with my advisor about 5D theories such as those of Paul Wesson and Randall-Sundrum, and he said that I shouldn't spend too much time studying those theories because they are unstable, or require so many corrections to stabilize them that they become intractable. However, I find them intriguing anyway. I want to understand the stability problems he was talking about, such as imaginary mass and gravitational collapse of the extra dimension.

He gave me a paper that talked a little about it but I'm still not grasping what makes these theories so unstable so I might avoid this if I try to build my own model (as a side project to my main research).

Thanks.
 
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As a start for discussion, can you link to the paper your advisor gave you?
 
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PAllen said:
As a start for discussion, can you link to the paper your advisor gave you?

https://arxiv.org/abs/0808.2055

He directed my attention to the first paragraph on the second page. I also think references 74-77 are supposed to be about the fine tuning necessary in 5D models.
 
TomServo said:
https://arxiv.org/abs/0808.2055

He directed my attention to the first paragraph on the second page. I also think references 74-77 are supposed to be about the fine tuning necessary in 5D models.
The highest number reference I see is 49.

I don't understand anything in the paragraph you mention as showing instability, but this is not remotely my area of expertise. However, with this reference, I hope someone else here might be able to help.
 
Try "Black Holes in Higher Dimensions", Gary Horowitz.
 

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