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J. A. Vickers

Publications and source records attributed to J. A. Vickers.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2016

Quantised vortices and mutual friction in relativistic superfluids

We consider the detailed dynamics of an array of quantised superfluid vortices in the framework of general relativity, as required for quantitative modelling of realistic neutron star cores. Our model builds on the variational approach to relativistic (multi-) fluid dynamics, where the vorticity plays a central role. The description provides a natural extension of, and as it happens a better insight into, existing Newtonian models. In particular, we account for the mutual friction associated with scattering of a second "normal" component in the mixture off of the superfluid vortices.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2009

Block diagonalisation of four-dimensional metrics

It is shown that, in four dimensions, it is possible to introduce coordinates so that an analytic metric locally takes block diagonal form. i.e. one can find coordinates such that $g_{αβ} = 0$ for $(α, β) \in S$ where $S = {(1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 3), (2, 4)}$. We call a coordinate system in which the metric takes this form a 'doubly biorthogonal coordinate system'. We show that all such coordinate systems are determined by a pair of coupled second-order partial differential equations.

math.DG↗
arXiv2006

Hamiltonian analysis of the double null 2+2 decomposition of General Relativity expressed in terms of self-dual bivectors

In this paper we obtain a 2+2 double null Hamiltonian description of General Relativity using only the (complex) SO(3) connection and the components of the complex densitised self-dual bivectors. We carry out the general canonical analysis of this system and obtain the first class constraint algebra entirely in terms of the self-dual variables. The first class algebra forms a Lie algebra and all the first class constraints have a simple geometrical interpretation.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2006

Hamiltonian analysis of the double null 2+2 decomposition of Ashtekar variables

We derive a canonical analysis of a double null 2+2 Hamiltonian description of General Relativity in terms of complex self-dual 2-forms and the associated SO(3) connection variables. The algebra of first class constraints is obtained and forms a Lie algebra that consists of two constraints that generate diffeomorphisms in the two surface, a constraint that generates diffeomorphisms along the null generators and a constraint that generates self-dual spin and boost transformations.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2001

Dynamic Cosmic Strings II: Numerical evolution of excited Cosmic Strings

An implicit, fully characteristic, numerical scheme for solving the field equations of a cosmic string coupled to gravity is described. The inclusion of null infinity as part of the numerical grid allows us to apply suitable boundary conditions on the metric and matter fields to suppress unphysical divergent solutions. The code is tested by comparing the results with exact solutions, checking that static cosmic string initial data remain constant when evolved and undertaking a time dependent convergence analysis of the code. It is shown that the code is accurate, stable and exhibits clear second order convergence. The code is used to analyse the interaction between a Weber--Wheeler pulse of gravitational radiation with the string. The interaction causes the string to oscillate at frequencies inversely proportional to the masses of the scalar and vector fields of the string. After the pulse has largely radiated away the string continues to ring but the oscillations slowly decay and eventually the variables return to their static values.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1999

Generalised hyperbolicity in conical space-times

Solutions of the wave equation in a space-time containing a thin cosmic string are examined in the context of non-linear generalised functions. Existence and uniqueness of solutions to the wave equation in the Colombeau algebra G is established for a conical space-time and this solution is shown to be associated to a distributional solution. A concept of generalised hyperbolicity, based on test fields, can be defined for such singular space-times and it is shown that a conical space-time is G-hyperbolic.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

Integration using invariant operators:Conformally flat radiation metrics

A new method is presented for obtaining the general conformally flat radiation metric by using the differential operators of Machado Ramos and Vickers (a generalisation of the GHP operators) which are invariant under null rotations and spin and boosts. The solution is found by constructing involutive tables of these derivatives applied to the quantities which arise in the Karlhede classification of metrics.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

A nonlinear theory of tensor distributions

The coordinate invariant theory of generalised functions of Colombeau and Meril is reviewed and extended to enable the construction of multi-index generalised tensor functions whose transformation laws coincide with their counterparts in classical distribution theory.

gr-qc↗