Collisions of gravitational and electromagnetic waves that do not develop curvature singularities

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.528615· OSTI ID:6550417

Papacostas, T; Xanthopoulos, B C

A five-parameter family of solutions is investigated, describing the collision of plane-fronted impulsive gravitational and shock electromagnetic waves. In the interaction region, to the future of the collision, it is a locally known solution of the Einstein--Maxwell electrovacuum equations of Petrov type D. The collision results in the formation of a Cauchy horizon. Extensions of the space-time are constructed beyond the Cauchy horizon and beyond certain two-dimensional surfaces that are mere coordinate singularities. It is found that in the extended space-time the following may occur: (i) no curvature singularities, (ii) two-dimensional spacelike curvature singularities, and (iii) two-dimensional timelike curvature singularities, according to the ranges of the parameters of the solution.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of Crete, Iraklion, Greece and Department of Mathematics, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi, Samos, Greece
• OSTI ID: 6550417
• Journal Information: J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 30:1; ISSN JMAPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657003* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Relativity & Gravitation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
SINGULARITY
SPACE-TIME
VACUUM STATES
WAVE PROPAGATION