Relativistic Figures of Equilibrium

by Reinhard Meinel, Marcus Ansorg, Andreas Kleinwächter, Gernot Neugebauer, David Petroff

Overview

First book of its kind! This much-needed text treats the classical problem of gravitational physics within Einstein's theory of general relativity. It presents the basic principles and equations needed to describe rotating fluid bodies, as well as black holes in equilibrium. In recent years, the study of neutron stars and black holes has become increasingly important, and rigorous mathematical analysis needs to be applied in order to understand their basic physics; This text fills the void! The book concludes by considering the general case using powerful numerical methods that are applied to various models, including the classical example of equilibrium figures of constant density. Researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics, and astrophysics will find this a valuable reference book on the topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521863834
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/26/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Reinhard Meinel is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany. His research is in the field of gravitational theory, focusing on astrophysical applications.

Marcus Ansorg is a Researcher at the Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik, Potsdam, Germany, where his research focuses on the application of spectral methods for producing highly accurate solutions to Einstein's field equations.

Andreas Kleinwächter is a Researcher at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität. His current research is on analytical and numerical methods for solving the axisymmetric and stationary equations of general relativity.

Gernot Neugebauer is a Professor Emeritus at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität. His research deals with Einstein's theory of gravitation, soliton theory, and thermodynamics.

David Petroff is a Researcher at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität. His research is on stationary black holes and neutron stars, making use of analytical approximations and numerical methods.

Table of Contents

Preface; Notation; 1. Rotating fluid bodies in equilibrium: fundamental notions and equations; 2. Analytical treatment of limiting cases; 3. Numerical treatment of the general case; 4. Remarks on stability and astrophysical relevance; Appendixes; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"... A rigorous treatment of the simple models using both analytical and numerical methods."
Book News

"Nicely produced by Cambridge University Press, this rather specialized book rich in analytical and numerical methods is of value to students and professional researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics and astrophysics."
Gerard A. Maugin, Mathematical Reviews

"The results of this book are of importance for a better understanding of the state of the dynamics of astrophysical objects, which will influence, among others, future high precision observations and the calculation of gravitational wave templates."
General Relativity and Gravitation

From the Publisher