General Prerequisites: C7.5 General Relativity I
Course Overview: In this, the second course in General Relativity, we have two principal aims. We first aim to increase our mathematical understanding of the theory of relativity and our technical ability to solve problems in it. We apply the theory to a wider class of physical situations, including gravitational waves and black hole solutions. Orbits in the Schwarzschild solution are given a unified treatment which allows a simple account of the three classical tests of Einstein's theory. This leads to a greater understanding of the Schwarzschild solution and an introduction to its rotating counterpart, the Kerr solution. We analyse the extensions of the Schwarzschild solution show how the theory of black holes emerges and exposes the radical consequences of Einstein's theory for space-time structure.
Lecturer(s):
Prof. Xenia de la Ossa
Course Synopsis: Mathematical background, the Lie derivative and isometries. The Einstein field equations with matter; the energy-momentum tensor for a perfect fluid; equations of motion from the conservation law. Linearised general relativity and the metric of an isolated body. Motion on a weak gravitational field and gravitational waves. The Schwarzschild solution and its extensions; Eddington-Finkelstein coordinates and the Kruskal extension. Penrose diagrams and the area theorem. Stationary, axisymmetric metrics and orthogonal transitivity; the Kerr solution and its properties; interpretation as rotating black hole.
