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Theoretical Frameworks for Testing Relativistic Gravity. The Parametrized Post-Newtonian Formalism

Citation

Will, Clifford Martin (1971) Theoretical Frameworks for Testing Relativistic Gravity. The Parametrized Post-Newtonian Formalism. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/NQNB-RK02. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09302005-113319

Abstract

Increasing sophistication and precision of experimental tests of relativistic gravitation theories has led to the need for a detailed theoretical framework for analysing and interpreting these experiments. Such a framework is the Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism, which treats the post-Newtonian limit of arbitrary metric theories of gravity in terms of nine metric parameters, whose values vary from theory to theory. The theoretical and experimental foundations of the PPN formalism are laid out and discussed, and the detailed definitions and equations for the formalism are given. It is shown that some metric theories of gravity predict that a massive, self-gravitating body's passive gravitational mass should not be equal to its inertial mass, but should be an anisotropic tensor which depends on the body's self-gravitational energy (violation of the "principle of equivalence"). Two theorems are presented which probe the theoretical structure of the PPN formalism. They state that (i) a metric theory of gravity possesses post-Newtonian integral conservation laws if and only if its nine PP parameters have values which satisfy a set of seven constraint equations, and (ii) a metric theory of gravity is invariant under asymptotic Lorentz transformations if and only if its PPN parameters satisfy a set of three constraint equations. Some theories of gravity (including Whitehead's theory and theories which violate one of the "Lorentz-invariance" parameter constraints) are shown to predict an anisotropy in the Newtonian gravitational constant. Gravimeter data on the tides of the solid Earth are used to put an upper limit on the magnitude of the predicted anisotropy, and thence to rule out such theories.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Physics) ; Relativistic Gravity ; Post-Newtonian Formalism
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Awards:Einstein Prize (APS), 2021. Albert Einstein Medal, 2019. Fellow of the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation, 2016. Member of the US National Academy of Sciences, 2007. Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2002. Fellow of the American Physical Society, 1989.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Thorne, Kip S.
Group:TAPIR, Astronomy Department
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:14 May 1971
Additional Information:Einstein Prize citation: "For outstanding contributions to observational tests of general relativity with theories of gravitational waves, astrophysical black holes, and neutron stars."
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-09302005-113319
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09302005-113319
DOI:10.7907/NQNB-RK02
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/prizerecipient.cfm?last_nm=Will&first_nm=Clifford&year=2021OrganizationEinstein Prize (APS) announcement, 2021
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3839
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:03 Oct 2005
Last Modified:27 Jun 2024 20:11

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