arXiv subjects

Roland Steinbauer

Publications and source records attributed to Roland Steinbauer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Wave equations and symmetric first-order systems in case of low regularity

We analyse an algorithm of transition between Cauchy problems for second-order wave equations and first-order symmetric hyperbolic systems in case the coefficients as well as the data are non-smooth, even allowing for regularity below the standard conditions guaranteeing well-posedness. The typical operations involved in rewriting equations into systems are then neither defined classically nor consistently extendible to the distribution theoretic setting. However, employing the nonlinear theory of generalized functions in the sense of Colombeau we arrive at clear statements about the transfer of questions concerning solvability and uniqueness from wave equations to symmetric hyperbolic systems and vice versa. Finally, we illustrate how this transfer method allows to draw new conclusions on unique solvability of the Cauchy problem for wave equations with non-smooth coefficients.

math.AP↗

arXiv2009

A global theory of algebras of generalized functions II: tensor distributions

We extend the construction of [19] by introducing spaces of generalized tensor fields on smooth manifolds that possess optimal embedding and consistency properties with spaces of tensor distributions in the sense of L. Schwartz. We thereby obtain a universal algebra of generalized tensor fields canonically containing the space of distributional tensor fields. The canonical embedding of distributional tensor fields also commutes with the Lie derivative. This construction provides the basis for applications of algebras of generalized functions in nonlinear distributional geometry and, in particular, to the study of spacetimes of low differentiability in general relativity.

math.FA↗

arXiv2009

Sheaves of nonlinear generalized functions and manifold-valued distributions

This paper is part of an ongoing program to develop a theory of generalized differential geometry. We consider the space $\mathcal{G}[X,Y]$ of Colombeau generalized functions defined on a manifold $X$ and taking values in a manifold $Y$. This space is essential in order to study concepts such as flows of generalized vector fields or geodesics of generalized metrics. We introduce an embedding of the space of continuous mappings $\mathcal{C}(X,Y)$ into $\mathcal{G}[X,Y]$ and study the sheaf properties of $\mathcal{G}[X,Y]$. Similar results are obtained for spaces of generalized vector bundle homomorphisms. Based on these constructions we propose the definition of a space $\mathcal{D}'[X,Y]$ of distributions on $X$ taking values in $Y$. $\mathcal{D}'[X,Y]$ is realized as a quotient of a certain subspace of $\mathcal{G}[X,Y]$.

math.FA↗

arXiv2008

A Note on Distributional Semi-Riemannian Geometry

We discuss some basic concepts of semi-Riemannian geometry in low-regularity situations. In particular, we compare the settings of (linear) distributional geometry in the sense of L. Schwartz and nonlinear distributional geometry in the sense of J.F. Colombeau.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

On the Geroch-Traschen class of metrics

We compare two approaches to Semi-Riemannian metrics of low regularity. The maximally "reasonable" distributional setting of Geroch and Traschen is shown to be consistently contained in the more general setting of nonlinear distributional geometry in the sense of Colombeau.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

A geometric approach to full Colombeau algebras

We present a geometric approach to diffeomorphism invariant full Colombeau algebras which allows a particularly clear view on the construction of the intrinsically defined algebra $\hat{\mathcal G}(M)$ on the manifold $M$ given in (Grosser et al., Adv. Math. 166 (2002), 179--206).

math.FA↗

arXiv2008

The wave equation on singular space-times

We prove local unique solvability of the wave equation for a large class of weakly singular, locally bounded space-time metrics in a suitable space of generalised functions.

math-ph↗

arXiv2007

Generalized solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system with singular data

We study spherically symmetric solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system in the context of algebras of generalized functions. This allows to model highly concentrated initial configurations and provides a consistent setting for studying singular limits of the system. The proof of unique solvability in our approach depends on new stability properties of the system with respect to perturbations.

math.AP↗

arXiv2006

The use of Generalised Functions and Distributions in General Relativity

In this paper we review the extent to which one can use classical distribution theory in describing solutions of Einstein's equations. We show that there are a number of physically interesting cases which cannot be treated using distribution theory but require a more general concept. We describe a mathematical theory of nonlinear generalised functions based on Colombeau algebras and show how this may be applied in general relativity. We end by discussing the concept of singularity in general relativity and show that certain solutions with weak singularities may be regarded as distributional solutions of Einstein's equations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Global Gronwall Estimates for Integral Curves on Riemannian Manifolds

We prove Gronwall-type estimates for the distance of integral curves of smooth vector fields on a Riemannian manifold. Such estimates are of central importance for all methods of solving ODEs in a verified way, i.e., with full control of roundoff errors. Our results may therefore be seen as a prerequisite for the generalization of such methods to the setting of Riemannian manifolds.

math.DG↗

arXiv2004

Generalised Connections and Curvature

The concept of generalised (in the sense of Colombeau) connection on a principal fibre bundle is introduced. This definition is then used to extend results concerning the geometry of principal fibre bundles to those that only have a generalised connection. Some applications to singular solutions of Yang-Mills theory are given.

math.FA↗

arXiv2004

On Classical Solutions of the Relativistic Vlasov-Klein-Gordon System

We consider a collisionless ensemble of classical particles coupled to a Klein-Gordon field. For the resulting nonlinear system of partial differential equations, the relativistic Vlasov-Klein-Gordon system, we prove local-in-time existence of classical solutions and a continuation criterion which says that a solution can blow up only if the particle momenta become large. We also show that classical solutions are global in time in the one-dimensional case.

math.AP↗

arXiv2003

Geodesics in spacetimes with expanding impulsive gravitational waves

We study geodesic motion in expanding spherical impulsive gravitational waves propagating in a Minkowski background. Employing the continuous form of the metric we find and examine a large family of geometrically preferred geodesics. For the special class of axially symmetric spacetimes with the spherical impulse generated by a snapping cosmic string we give a detailed physical interpretation of the motion of test particles.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2003

Generalized flows and singular ODEs on differentiable manifolds

Based on the concept of manifold valued generalized functions we initiate a study of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with singular (in particular: distributional) right hand sides in a global setting. After establishing several existence and uniqueness results for solutions of such equations and flows of singular vector fields we compare the solution concept employed here with the purely distributional setting. Finally, we derive criteria securing that a sequence of smooth flows corresponding to a regularization of a given singular vector field converges to a measurable limiting flow.

math.FA↗

arXiv2002

Generalized pseudo-Riemannian geometry

Generalized tensor analysis in the sense of Colombeau's construction is employed to introduce a nonlinear distributional pseudo-Riemannian geometry. In particular, after deriving several characterizations of invertibility in the algebra of generalized functions we define the notions of generalized pseudo-Riemannian metric, generalized connection and generalized curvature tensor. We prove a ``Fundamental Lemma of (pseudo-)Riemannian geometry'' in this setting and define the notion of geodesics of a generalized metric. Finally, we present applications of the resulting theory to general relativity.

math.FA↗

arXiv2002

Global Weak Solutions of the Relativistic Vlasov-Klein-Gordon System

We consider an ensemble of classical particles coupled to a Klein-Gordon field. For the resulting nonlinear system of partial differential equations, which we call the relativistic Vlasov-Klein-Gordon system, we prove the existence of global weak solutions for initial data satisfying a size restriction. The latter becomes necessary since the energy of the system is indefinite, and only for restricted data a-priori bounds on the solutions can be derived from conservation of energy.

math.AP↗

arXiv2002

Intrinsic characterization of manifold-valued generalized functions

The concept of generalized functions taking values in a differentiable manifold is extended to a functorial theory. We establish several characterization results which allow a global intrinsic formulation both of the theory of manifold-valued generalized functions and of generalized vector bundle homomorphisms. As a consequence, a characterization of equivalence that does not resort to derivatives (already known for the scalar-valued cases of Colombeau's construction) is achieved. These results are employed to derive a point value description of all types of generalized functions valued in manifolds and to show that composition can be carried out unrestrictedly. Finally, a new concept of association adapted to the present setting is introduced.

math.FA↗

arXiv2001

Remarks on the distributional Schwarzschild geometry

This work is devoted to a mathematical analysis of the distributional Schwarzschild geometry. The Schwarzschild solution is extended to include the singularity; the energy momentum tensor becomes a delta-distribution supported at r=0. Using generalized distributional geometry in the sense of Colombeau's (special) construction the nonlinearities are treated in a mathematically rigorous way. Moreover, generalized function techniques are used as a tool to give a unified discussion of various approaches taken in the literature so far; in particular we comment on geometrical issues.

gr-qc↗