The Curvature of Spacetime

The Curvature of Spacetime
Author: Harald Fritzsch
Publisher:
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2002
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780231118200

The internationally renowned physicist Harald Fritzsch deftly explains the meaning and far-flung implications of the general theory of relativity and other mysteries of modern physics by presenting an imaginary conversation among Newton, Einstein, and a fictitious contemporary particle physicist named Adrian Haller. In this entertaining and involving account of relativity, Newton serves as the skeptic and asks the questions a modern reader might ask. Einstein himself does the explaining, while Haller explains the new developments that have occurred since the general theory was proposed.

Curvature of Space and Time, with an Introduction to Geometric Analysis

Curvature of Space and Time, with an Introduction to Geometric Analysis
Author: Iva Stavrov
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2020-11-12
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1470456281

This book introduces advanced undergraduates to Riemannian geometry and mathematical general relativity. The overall strategy of the book is to explain the concept of curvature via the Jacobi equation which, through discussion of tidal forces, further helps motivate the Einstein field equations. After addressing concepts in geometry such as metrics, covariant differentiation, tensor calculus and curvature, the book explains the mathematical framework for both special and general relativity. Relativistic concepts discussed include (initial value formulation of) the Einstein equations, stress-energy tensor, Schwarzschild space-time, ADM mass and geodesic incompleteness. The concluding chapters of the book introduce the reader to geometric analysis: original results of the author and her undergraduate student collaborators illustrate how methods of analysis and differential equations are used in addressing questions from geometry and relativity. The book is mostly self-contained and the reader is only expected to have a solid foundation in multivariable and vector calculus and linear algebra. The material in this book was first developed for the 2013 summer program in geometric analysis at the Park City Math Institute, and was recently modified and expanded to reflect the author's experience of teaching mathematical general relativity to advanced undergraduates at Lewis & Clark College.

The Wave Equation on a Curved Space-Time

The Wave Equation on a Curved Space-Time
Author: F. G. Friedlander
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 298
Release: 1975
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0521205670

This book gives a rigourous discussion of the local effects of curvature on the behaviour of waves. In the course of this discussion many techniques are developed which are also needed for a study of more general problems, in which the gravitational field itself plays a dynamical role.

The Geometry of Spacetime

The Geometry of Spacetime
Author: James J. Callahan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 474
Release: 2013-03-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1475767366

Hermann Minkowski recast special relativity as essentially a new geometric structure for spacetime. This book looks at the ideas of both Einstein and Minkowski, and then introduces the theory of frames, surfaces and intrinsic geometry, developing the main implications of Einstein's general relativity theory.

Flat and Curved Space-times

Flat and Curved Space-times
Author: George Francis Rayner Ellis
Publisher: Clarendon Press
Total Pages: 394
Release: 2000
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780198506560

This text explains special relativity and the basics of general relativity from a geometric viewpoint. Space-time geometry is emphasised throughout, and up-to-date information is provided on black holes, gravitational collapse, and cosmology.

Aspects of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime

Aspects of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime
Author: Stephen A. Fulling
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 332
Release: 1989-08-24
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780521377683

The theory of quantum fields on curved spacetimes has attracted great attention since the discovery, by Stephen Hawking, of black-hole evaporation. It remains an important subject for the understanding of such contemporary topics as inflationary cosmology, quantum gravity and superstring theory. This book provides, for mathematicians, an introduction to this field of physics in a language and from a viewpoint which such a reader should find congenial. Physicists should also gain from reading this book a sound grasp of various aspects of the theory, some of which have not been particularly emphasised in the existing review literature. The topics covered include normal-mode expansions for a general elliptic operator, Fock space, the Casimir effect, the 'Klein' paradox, particle definition and particle creation in expanding universes, asymptotic expansion of Green's functions and heat kernels, and renormalisation of the stress tensor. The style is pedagogic rather than formal; some knowledge of general relativity and differential geometry is assumed, but the author does supply background material on functional analysis and quantum field theory as required. The book arose from a course taught to graduate students and could be used for self-study or for advanced courses in relativity and quantum field theory.

Spacetime and Geometry

Spacetime and Geometry
Author: Sean M. Carroll
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 529
Release: 2019-08-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1108488390

An accessible introductory textbook on general relativity, covering the theory's foundations, mathematical formalism and major applications.

Relativity in Curved Spacetime

Relativity in Curved Spacetime
Author: Eric Baird
Publisher: Chocolate Tree Books
Total Pages: 396
Release: 2007
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0955706807

Relativity theory has become one of the icons of Twentieth Century science. It's reckoned to be a difficult subject, taught as a layered series of increasingly difficult mathematics and increasingly abstract concepts. We're told that relativity theory is supposed to be this complicated and counter-intuitive. But how much of this historical complexity is really necessary? Can we bypass the interpretations and paradoxes and pseudoparadoxes of Einstein's special theory and jump directly to a deeper and more intuitive description of reality? What if curvature is a fundamental part of physics, and a final theory of relativity shouldn't reduce to Einstein's "flat" 1905 theory //on principle//? "Relativity..." takes us on a whistlestop tour of Twentieth Century physics - from black holes, quantum mechanics, wormholes and the Big Bang to the workings of the human mind, and asks: what would physics look like without special relativity? 394 printed pages, 234156 mm, 200 figures and illustrations, includes bibliography and index www.relativitybook.com

Quantum Fields in Curved Space

Quantum Fields in Curved Space
Author: N. D. Birrell
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 362
Release: 1984-02-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1107392810

This book presents a comprehensive review of the subject of gravitational effects in quantum field theory. Although the treatment is general, special emphasis is given to the Hawking black hole evaporation effect, and to particle creation processes in the early universe. The last decade has witnessed a phenomenal growth in this subject. This is the first attempt to collect and unify the vast literature that has contributed to this development. All the major technical results are presented, and the theory is developed carefully from first principles. Here is everything that students or researchers will need to embark upon calculations involving quantum effects of gravity at the so-called one-loop approximation level.

Gravitational Curvature

Gravitational Curvature
Author: Theodore Frankel
Publisher: Courier Corporation
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2013-04-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 048628915X

This classic text and reference monograph applies modern differential geometry to general relativity. A brief mathematical introduction to gravitational curvature, it emphasizes the subject's geometric essence and stresses the global aspects of cosmology. Suitable for independent study as well as for courses in differential geometry, relativity, and cosmology. 1979 edition.