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General relativity has a small number of known, exact solutions which model astronomically relevant systems. These models are highly idealized situations. Either perturbation theory or numerical simulations are typically needed to produce more realistic models. Numerical simulations are time-consuming and suffer from a difficulty in interpreting the results. In addition, global properties of numerical solutions are nearly impossible to uncover. On the other hand, standard perturbation methods are very difficult to implement beyond the second order, which means they barely scratch the surface of non-linear phenomena which distinguishes general relativity from Newtonian gravity. This work develops a method of finding exact solutions, inspired by perturbation theory, which have energy-momentum tensor components that approximately satisfy desired relationships. We find a spherical lump of matter which has a density profile $\mu \propto r^{-2}$ in a Robertson-Walker background; it looks like a galaxy in an expanding universe. We also find a plane-symmetric perturbation of a Bianchi type I metric with a density profile $\mu \propto z^{-2}$; it models a jet impacting a sheet-like structure. The former solution involves a wormhole while the latter involves a two dimensional singularity. These are both non-linear structures which perturbation theory can never produce.

This thesis deals with an elementary introduction to general relativity on a level understandable by secondary school students and graduates. It contains a review of available literature including its approach to the introductory level of relativity, a study text covering the necessary parts of classical mechanics, special relativity and subsequently basic ideas and conclusions of general relativity. A didactical analysis of the study text is also part of the thesis. The text presumes only basic knowledge of secondary school physics (mostly mechanics), therefore it is suitable for a wide range of readers amongst secondary school students and graduates. It can also be useful as a study material for secondary school teachers, who wish to enrich their teaching with more modern chapters of physics.

Neste trabalho dedicamo-nos à análise da presença de curvas fechadas tipo tempo em espaços-tempos cilindricamente simétricos e estacionários Ct. A equação de movimento que descreve a evolução de um campo escalar massivo nos espaços-tempos Ct é apresentada. Uma classe de espaços-tempos descrevendo cordas e cilindros cósmicos que admitem a presença de curvas fechadas tipo tempo é estudada em detalhes. A região não-causal desses espaços-tempos se revela acessível tanto a partículas massivas quanto a fótons. Curvas geodésicas e curvas fechadas tipo tempo são obtidas e investigadas. Essencialmente, dois tipos de órbitas descritas por partículas massivas e fótons foram observadas: órbitas confinadas e órbitas espalhadas. Os cones de luz evidenciaram claramente a intersecção de futuro e passado na região não-causal. Soluções exatas das equações de movimento do campo escalar se propagando nos espaçcos-tempos das cordas e cilindros são apresentadas. No caso dos cilindros estático e em rotação os modos quasinormais de oscilação do campo escalar foram calculados. A presença de modos instáveis foi observada em alguns casos. Observamos, também, que tanto na corda estática quanto na corda em rotação o campo escalar não apresentam modos quasinormais de oscilação. Concluimos com a proposta de uma conjectura relacionando curvas fechadas tipo tempo e instabilidades do espaço-tempo. / This work deals with the analysis of cylindrically symmetric and stationary space-times Ct with closed timelike curves. The equation of motion describing the evolution of a massive scalar field in a Ct space-time is obtained. A class of space-times with closed timelike curves describing cosmic strings and cylinders is studied in detail. In such space-times, both massive particles as well as photons can reach the non-causal region. Geodesics and closed timelike curves are calculated and investigated. We have observed that massive particles and photons describe, essentially, two kinds of trajectories: confined orbits and scattering states. The analysis of the light cones show us clearly the intersection between future and past inside the non-causal region. Exact solutions for the equation of motion of massive scalar field propagating in cosmic strings and cylinder space-times are presented. Quasinormal modes for the scalar field have been calculated in static and rotating cosmic cylinders. We found unstable modes in the rotating cases. Rotating as well as static cosmic strings, i.e., without regular interior solutions, do not display quasinormal modes for the scalar field. We conclude presenting a conjecture relating closed timelike curves and space-time instability.

One of the most important predictions of General Relativity, Einstein’s theory of gravity, is the existence of gravitational radiation. The strongest source of such radiation is expected to come from the merging of black holes. Upgrades to large ground based interferometric detectors (LIGO, VIRGO, GEO 600) have increased their sensitivity to the point that the first direct observation of a gravitational wave is expected to occur within the next few years. The chance of detection is greatly improved by the use of simulated waveforms which can be used as templates for signal processing. Recent advances in numerical relativity have allowed for long stable evolution of black hole mergers and the generation of expected waveforms. openGR is a modular, open framework black hole evolution code developed at The University of Texas at Austin Center for Relativity. Based on the BSSN (strongly hyperbolic) formulation of Einstein’s equations and the moving puncture method, we are able to model the evolution of a binary black hole system through the merger and extract the gravitational radiation produced. Although we are generally interested in binary interactions, openGR is capable of handling any number of black holes. This work serves as an overview of the capabilities of openGR and a demonstration of the physics it can be used to explore. / text

General relativity has a small number of known, exact solutions which model astronomically relevant systems. These models are highly idealized situations. Either perturbation theory or numerical simulations are typically needed to produce more realistic models. Numerical simulations are time-consuming and suffer from a difficulty in interpreting the results. In addition, global properties of numerical solutions are nearly impossible to uncover. On the other hand, standard perturbation methods are very difficult to implement beyond the second order, which means they barely scratch the surface of non-linear phenomena which distinguishes general relativity from Newtonian gravity. This work develops a method of finding exact solutions, inspired by perturbation theory, which have energy-momentum tensor components that approximately satisfy desired relationships. We find a spherical lump of matter which has a density profile $\mu \propto r^{-2}$ in a Robertson-Walker background; it looks like a galaxy in an expanding universe. We also find a plane-symmetric perturbation of a Bianchi type I metric with a density profile $\mu \propto z^{-2}$; it models a jet impacting a sheet-like structure. The former solution involves a wormhole while the latter involves a two dimensional singularity. These are both non-linear structures which perturbation theory can never produce.

The study of general relativity in higher dimensions has proven to be a fruitful avenue of research, revealing new applications of the theory, for instance in understanding strongly coupled quantum field theories through the holographic principle, and proposing an explanation of the hierarchy problem through TeV gravity scenarios. To understand the non-linear regime of higher dimensional general relativity, such as that involved in the merger of black holes, we use numerical relativity to solve the Einstein equations. In this thesis we develop and demonstrate several diagnostic tools and new initial data for use in numerical relativity simulations of higher dimensional spacetimes, and use these to investigate binary black hole systems. Firstly, we present a formalism for calculating the gravitational waves in a numerical simulation of a higher dimensional spacetime, and apply this formalism to the example of the head on merger of two equal mass black holes. In doing so, we simulate the merger of black holes in up to 10 spacetime dimensions for the first time, and investigate the dependence of the energy radiated away in gravitational waves on the number of dimensions. We also apply this formalism to the example of head on unequal mass black hole collisions, investigating the dependence of radiated energy and momentum on the number of dimensions and the mass ratio. This study complements and sheds further light on previous work on the merger of point particles with black holes in higher dimensions, and presents evidence for a link between the regime studied, and the large $D$ regime of general relativity where $D$ is the number of spacetime dimensions. We also present initial data that enables us to study black holes with initial momentum and angular momentum, putting in place the framework needed to study problems such as the scattering cross section of black holes in higher dimensions, and the nature of black hole orbits in higher dimensions. Finally, we present, and demonstrate the use of, an apparent horizon finder for higher dimensional spacetimes. This allows us to calculate a black hole's mass and spin, which characterise the black hole.

Neste trabalho dedicamo-nos à análise da presença de curvas fechadas tipo tempo em espaços-tempos cilindricamente simétricos e estacionários Ct. A equação de movimento que descreve a evolução de um campo escalar massivo nos espaços-tempos Ct é apresentada. Uma classe de espaços-tempos descrevendo cordas e cilindros cósmicos que admitem a presença de curvas fechadas tipo tempo é estudada em detalhes. A região não-causal desses espaços-tempos se revela acessível tanto a partículas massivas quanto a fótons. Curvas geodésicas e curvas fechadas tipo tempo são obtidas e investigadas. Essencialmente, dois tipos de órbitas descritas por partículas massivas e fótons foram observadas: órbitas confinadas e órbitas espalhadas. Os cones de luz evidenciaram claramente a intersecção de futuro e passado na região não-causal. Soluções exatas das equações de movimento do campo escalar se propagando nos espaçcos-tempos das cordas e cilindros são apresentadas. No caso dos cilindros estático e em rotação os modos quasinormais de oscilação do campo escalar foram calculados. A presença de modos instáveis foi observada em alguns casos. Observamos, também, que tanto na corda estática quanto na corda em rotação o campo escalar não apresentam modos quasinormais de oscilação. Concluimos com a proposta de uma conjectura relacionando curvas fechadas tipo tempo e instabilidades do espaço-tempo. / This work deals with the analysis of cylindrically symmetric and stationary space-times Ct with closed timelike curves. The equation of motion describing the evolution of a massive scalar field in a Ct space-time is obtained. A class of space-times with closed timelike curves describing cosmic strings and cylinders is studied in detail. In such space-times, both massive particles as well as photons can reach the non-causal region. Geodesics and closed timelike curves are calculated and investigated. We have observed that massive particles and photons describe, essentially, two kinds of trajectories: confined orbits and scattering states. The analysis of the light cones show us clearly the intersection between future and past inside the non-causal region. Exact solutions for the equation of motion of massive scalar field propagating in cosmic strings and cylinder space-times are presented. Quasinormal modes for the scalar field have been calculated in static and rotating cosmic cylinders. We found unstable modes in the rotating cases. Rotating as well as static cosmic strings, i.e., without regular interior solutions, do not display quasinormal modes for the scalar field. We conclude presenting a conjecture relating closed timelike curves and space-time instability.

M.Sc. / General Relativity, as defined by Einstein's equations, defines the geometry of the universe. In Numerical Relativity, Einstein's equations are solved with the aid of numerical methods and computers. This dissertation discusses the ADM formulation of Numerical Relativity via a Cauchy approach. (ADM refers to the initials of the discoverers of this method: Arnowitt, Deser and Misner.) When working within relativistic equations, a computer algebra code is very useful and such a code is described in this dissertation. In order to illustrate computational cost saving techniques, only spherically symmetric space-times are considered. Furthermore, we present and test a numerical code that implements the standard ADM approach in order to accurately evolve a single black hole space-time. Finally, we discuss the implementation of a maximal slicing gauge condition that refines the numerical code by giving it singularity avoidance properties.

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