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Title

Space-Time Geometries Characterized by Solutions to the Geodesic Equations
Authors

K. Andrew
C. Fleming
Journal / Anthology

Computers in Physics
Year: 1992
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Page range: 498-504
Description

A novel method for calculating and visualizing the geodesic structure of space-time models is presented. By utilizing the symbolic computational power of Mathematica on a NeXT, and an IBM RS 6000 workstation, the geodesic equations are found analytically for any given metric. Once spliced into a FORTRAN program, the geodesic equations are solved numerically, on a CRAY Y-MP supercomputer, for a given bundle of null geodesics. Here, the null geodesic structure of three singular space-time geometries is examined: the Schwarzchild, Kerr, and Winicour space-times. Using Mathematica software, the numerical data for the geodesic paths is displayed graphically, providing a picture of a given spacetime volume for each set of initial conditions. The parameter dependence of space-time, due to a particular metric, can be observed by sequencing through various parameters, such as the mass and spin. These pictures can then be composed into a video tape which displays the range of behavior as the parameters are varied.
Subjects

*Mathematics > Calculus and Analysis > Differential Geometry
*Science > Physics > Relativity Theory