Null-strut calculus. I. Kinematics

Journal Article · Fri Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.41.3628· OSTI ID:6734384

Kheyfets, A; LaFave, N J; Miller, W A ^[1]

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1. Spacetime Physics Group, High Energy Plasma Division, Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87117-6008 (USA)

This paper describes the kinematics of null-strut calculus---a 3+1 Regge calculus approach to general relativity. We show how to model the geometry of spacetime with simplicial spacelike three-geometries (TET's) linked to earlier'' and later'' momentumlike lattice surfaces (TET{sup *}) entirely by light rays or null struts.'' These three-layered lattice spacetime geometries are defined and analyzed using combinatorial formulas for the structure of polytopes. The following paper in this series describes how these three-layered spacetime lattices are used to model spacetimes in full conformity with Einstein's theory of gravity.

• OSTI ID: 6734384
• Journal Information: Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (USA), Journal Name: Physical Review, D (Particles Fields); (USA) Vol. 41:12; ISSN PRVDA; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657003* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Relativity & Gravitation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALGORITHMS
FIELD THEORIES
FOUR-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
LATTICE FIELD THEORY
LIGHT CONE
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MATHEMATICAL SPACE
PARTICLE KINEMATICS
PHASE SPACE
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
REGGE CALCULUS
SPACE
SPACE-TIME