Meine kumulative Dissertation

We study the dynamics of free test particles in a field of Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by an external exact thin axisymmetric solutions of Einstein's equations. Specifically, we use the Bach-Weyl ring and two member of the inverted Morgan-Morgan family of solutions as the additional sources. The fractal basin boundary and other meth- ods are used to detect and quantify chaos in time-like geodesic motion of the particles, primarily by computing box-counting dimension of said basin boundary. Our results mainly consist of the dependence of the chaoticity of these systems on mass and radius of the additional source as well as conserved energy and angular momentum of the test particles. We compare our results to literature and expand on them. 1

This thesis is concerned with several problems in general relativity and low energy string theory that are pertinent to the time evolution of the gravitational field. We present a formulation of the Einstein field equations in terms of variational techniques borrowed from geometric analysis. These equations yield the evolution equations for the Cauchy problems of both general relativity and low energy string theory. We then proceed to investigate the evolutionary linear stability of Schwarzschild-like solutions in higher dimensional relativity called black strings. These objects are determined to be linearly unstable. This motivates a further stability analysis of the charged p-brane solutions of low energy string theory. We show that one can eliminate linear instabilities in p-branes for sufficiently large values of charge. We also consider the characteristic problem of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD). We compute the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of GRMHD and establish degeneracy conditions. Finally, we consider the initial value problem for axisymmetric GRMHD. We formulate the general Einstein and MHD equations under the assumption of a stationary axisymmetric spacetime without assuming the circularity condition.

Modern physics is based on Newton’s laws of motion, which describe interaction via forces. In this paper, we argue that interaction needs to be described in terms of processes. By introducing the momentum work and the associated momentum energy in mechanics, we present a coherent formulation of the process equations for mechanics and thermodynamics. This naturally leads to a simple derivation of the Lorentz-transformed mass, according to which any object changes its mass in real terms when its velocity is changed. Momentum work requires a revision of Newton’s laws of motion. For the first time in the history of physics, the elastic collision between objects, such as particles, can be described as a temporal process, not as interaction via force = counter-force. The mechanism of energy conversion during the elastic collision and other mechanical processes, such as free fall, becomes clear and demonstrates the validity of the principle of energy conservation on microscale at any point in time. The results suggest that physics can be rebuilt on a more coherent footing of dynamic processes up to quantum-process thermodynamics.

This study investigated evidence of how students’ mental models of fundamental kinematic relations evolved (i.e., developed cognitively over time) as observed during an introductory course in calculus-based classical mechanics. The core of the curriculum is based on a claim known as Galileo’s principle of relativity. The course material comprised a standard sequence of topics in classical mechanics, reconfigured through a framework scaffolded from this principle. The research focused specifically on students’ mental models for the concept of velocity. Four instruments were developed and integrated into a suite of variegated tools for data collection. The suite probed indicators across diverse domains or modalities of mental processing: visual, quantitative, and verbal. Evidence of student mental models included student data derived from answers to multiple-choice questions, short written passages, symbolic computations, quantitative answers, pictorial sketches, and semi-structured interviews. A limiting model, or rubric, for approaching a comprehensive mental model for velocity coalesced after results from axial coding of sketches and interviews were considered in connection with the contingency tables made from short answer frequency counts and the Wilcoxon mean comparison of problem-solving tests. The rubric consisted of three identifiable tiers that ascended in cognitive sophistication. Statistically significant evidence was found for growth from the first to the second stage of this three-stage rubric for student velocity models. By the end of the semester, students showed increased capacity to treat velocity as a relation between two objects, rather than as a property of one object. Students typically developed a correct habit of demanding a second object when asserting velocity for a first. When provided with a second or reference object, many students demonstrated an acquired ability to adjust their conclusion for target velocity. Little to no statistically significant evidence was found, however, to suggest growth in student mental models from the second to the third stage of the three-stage rubric. In particular, the typical student mental model proved too fragile to manage problems involving a third moving object or a second dimension of space. Evidence was insufficient to indicate deliberate student distinction of the relational character of velocity from the relational quality of an interaction such as force. Across the visual and problem-solving domains, stage three difficulty was attributed to the mismanagement of arrows known as vectors. In the verbal domain, questions about three-object scenarios revealed conflation of velocity with force. In light of the data from all three domains, velocity vectors were considered in direct connection with force vectors. A cognitive connection between velocity vectors and force vectors was identified as a potential source of dissonance. The report of the study concludes by considering ways to scaffold the teaching of velocity vectors from the teaching of displacement vectors. The recommendation for improved physics pedagogy and future research involves increased visual, verbal, and quantitative emphases on velocity as a bearing, as distinct from an interaction.

La relativité générale représente la description la plus précise de l'interaction gravitationnelle. Cependant, alors que la matière est régie par les lois de la mécanique quantique, la gravitation, elle, est une théorie fondamentalement classique. A l'échelle de Planck, c'est-à-dire à des distances d'environ 10E-35 mètres, les effets quantiques et ceux de la gravitation deviennent tous deux importants. A l'heure actuelle, un langage mathématique unifié et décrivant les effets physiques à cette échelle est toujours manquant. Il existe néanmoins plusieurs théories candidates à cette description, et l'une d'entre elles, la gravité quantique à boucles, est l'objet d'étude de cette thèse.Afin de tester si une théorie candidate peur fournir une description appropriée des propriétés quantiques du champ de gravitation, elle doit présenter une certaine cohérence interne du point de vue mathématique, et aussi être en accord avec les tests expérimentaux de la relativité générale. Le but de cette thèse est de développer certains outils mathématiques qui éclairent ces conditions de consistance interne, et qui permettent d'établir un lien entre différentes formulations de la théorie. / General relativity is the most precise theory of the gravitational interaction. It is a classical field theory. All matter, on the other hand, follows the rules of quantum theory. At the Planck scale, at about distances of the order of 10E-35 meters, both theories become equally important. Today, theoretical physics lacks a unifying language to explore what happens at this scale, but there are several candidate theories available. Loop quantum gravity is one them, and it is the main topic of this thesis. To see whether a particular proposal is a viable candidate for a quantum theory of the gravitational field it must be free of internal inconsistencies, and agree with all experimental tests of general relativity. This thesis develops mathematical tools to check these.

Les étoiles à neutrons sont le résidu d'étoiles massives et sont formées lors de la supernova qui marque de la fin de leur vie. Avec un rayon d'une dizaine de kilomètres pour une masse de une à deux fois celle du Soleil, elles sont des corps très denses et relativistes, supportés par l'interaction forte. Cette thèse traite de la modélisation théorique de trois aspects de la dynamique et de l'évolution des étoiles à neutrons : l'évolution thermique des étoiles à neutrons isolées et de celles accrétant de la matière d'une étoile compagnon, l'influence des propriétés élastiques de leurs parties solides sur la rotation des étoiles à neutrons isolées et l'évolution de la rotation des étoiles à neutrons accrétantes. La confrontation avec les observations permet de sonder les propriétés de la matière à haute densité.

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans le cadre de la modélisation des ondes gravitationnelles et du mouvement relativiste associés aux systèmes binaires à grand rapport de masses (Extreme Mass Ratio Inspiral - EMRI). Ces systèmes sont formés d'un trou noir super massif autour duquel gravite un objet compact de masse stellaire. Dans le formalisme de la théorie perturbative des trous noirs, on développe une méthode numérique qui calcule les formes d'ondes produites par une particule ponctuelle en orbite autour d'un trou noir de Schwarzschild. Il s'agit de résoudre l'équation d'onde de Regge-Wheeler-Zerilli dans le domaine temporel dont la solution, invariante de jauge, peut être reliée aux modes de polarisation, à l'énergie et au moment cinétique emporté par les ondes gravitationnelles. En réaction à l'énergie et au moment perdu, la trajectoire de la particule est affectée au cours du temps. Dans le cadre du formalisme de MiSATaQuWa, on calcule la force propre agissant sur une particule, initialement au repos, est en chute libre sur un trou noir de Schwarzschild. Nous montrons comment cette quantité est définie dans la jauge de Regge-Wheeler par le biais de la régularisation mode-sum. L'effet de la force propre sur le mouvement de la particule est ensuite pris en compte de façon itérative et auto-consistante grâce à un algorithme utilisant une méthode d'orbites osculatrices que nous avons développé. Nous quantifions cet effet en calculant soit la déviation orbitale par rapport au mouvement géodésique, soit les formes d'ondes perturbées et l'énergie rayonnée associée.

Les résultats des observations cosmologiques réalisées à la charnière du siècle (SN1A, CMB, BAO) montrent que contrairement aux prévisions du modèle standard, l'expansion de l'Univers est actuellement en train de s'accélérer. Pour rendre compte de ce phénomène, un composant inconnu dénommé "énergie noire" (Dark Energy) a été introduit soit directement comme un fluide de pression négative, soit indirectement en modifiant la Relativité générale. Après avoir présenté le cadre général de la description de l'Univers, ainsi que le modèle cosmologique standard actuellement accepté, la présente thèse étudie les interactions possibles entre l'énergie noire et une éventuelle courbure de l'espace, en s'intéressant plus particulièrement aux cas où l'incertitude sur la courbure peut falsifier la nature "fantôme" de cette énergie noire. Dans un deuxième temps, la possibilité d'obtenir un comportement de type énergie noire au moyen d'une modification de la Relativité générale est abordée en faisant appel aux théories scalaire-tenseur. Les conditions générales de viabilité de ces théories sont présentées, ainsi que les conditions d'existence d'énergie noire, normale et fantôme. Enfin la possibilité de mettre en évidence cette énergie noire d'origine scalaire-tenseur par des mesures dans le Système solaire est étudiée en utilisant le formalisme de l'analyse post-newtonienne paramétrée. / The results of the cosmological observations at the turn of the century (SN1a, CMB, BAO) show that, in contrast to the predictions of the standard model, the Universe expansion is presently accelerating. To account for this fact, an unknown component dubbed "dark energy" was introduced either directly as a fluid with negative pressure, or indirectly as a modification of General Relativity.After the presentation of the general frame of the Universe description, and of the presently accepted cosmological standard model, we study the interactions between dark energy and a possible spatial curvature, with special attention to the cases where the curvature uncertainty may falsify the phantom nature of dark energy. In a second step we consider a modification of General Relativity, the Scalar-Tensor theories, as a way to generate dark energy. The general viability conditions for these theories are presented, as well as the conditions for the presence of normal and phantom dark energy. In particular we study the possibility to detect this Scalar-Tensor dark energy with measurements within the Solar System using the Parametrised Post-Newtonian formalism.

In this work we study properties of the higher-dimensional generally rotating black hole space-time so-called Kerr-NUT-(A)dS and the related spaces with the same explicit and hidden symetries as the Kerr-NUT-(A)dS spacetime. First, we search commuta- tivity conditions for classical (charged) observables and their operator analogues, then we investigate a fulfilment of these conditions in the metioned spaces. We calculate the curvature of these spaces and solve the charged Hamilton-Jacobi and Klein-Gordon equations by the separation of the variables for an electromagnetic field, which pre- serves integrability of motion of a charged particle and mutual commutativity of the corresponding operators.