Equation of state for Einstein field equations

  • #1
grav-universe
461
1
Years ago I posted a thread where I solved for the exterior vacuum metric for a static spherical mass using only a single one of the unknown functions, A, B, or D, where D = C r^2, since they are inter-related. A moderator here graciously supplied the EFE's as A, B, and D relate to the energy density and pressures and suggested or asked if the same thing could be done for the interior metric. This sparked an interest in me to attempt it and after a few months I posted a thread with full solutions in the form of crude infinite Taylor series, which were necessary to work around square roots and denominators in the EFE's in order to integrate. The thread was removed by the same moderator stating that the solutions should be in closed form, and suggested referring to the only closed form interior solution known, that for a constant energy density. Okay, fair enough I suppose, so for years I attempted a full solution in closed form to no avail. But along the way, however, I found some particular forms for the energy density distributions that allow full solutions in closed form, so want to post some of those which I have found. I messaged first to make sure everything is up to speed, but was told I must first have an equation of state before I can use those solutions, otherwise it is personal research and verging on personal speculation. I'm not sure what this means. As far as I can tell, the EFE's themselves are the equations of state to begin with. Is that correct? If I assume isotropic pressures and make a coordinate choice and input a form for the energy density distribution directly into the EFE's and find solutions for A, B, and D in closed form, then as far as I know I am just working through the math of the EFE's exactly as they stand according to the mainstream, right?

So in an effort to comply, I would like to know what the equation of state for the EFE's should be, then, or what form it should take, and I will gladly begin my thread with that as well. Is it just the EFE's themselves? I would have started by stating those anyway. Is it the form of the energy density distribution I am solving for? The only form of the energy density distribution known in closed form is that of constant energy density, let's call it J, where J is constant. So let's say I want to add an extra term to that and solve for say, J - K r, where K is also constant. Would this be my equation of state in that case, then, that which I am solving for? I'm not sure if just stating a random energy density distribution to be solved for is the perceived problem here also. I would not not be stating that the energy density distribution must take this form, just what the solutions to the EFE's would be if it did. J and K allow for two parameters in the input instead of just one. If K = 0, then it reduces to just the constant energy density solution, so the known solution is still contained as a subset where K just expands upon that by allowing another possible term. Would starting the thread with the EFE's spelled out for energy density and pressure in terms of A, B, and D, assuming isotropic pressure and stating the coordinate choice, and then stating that we are solving for an energy density distribution of J - K r be enough here to consider the equation of state to be satisfied? What am I missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The equation of state is not given by the EFE; the EFE tell you how spacetime responds to energy-momentum. The equation of state of a medium relates different aspects of the medium to one other, like the density and pressure. That's contained in the energy momentum tensor you plug into the EFE .
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71
  • #3
haushofer said:
The equation of state is not given by the EFE; the EFE tell you how spacetime responds to energy-momentum. The equation of state of a medium relates different aspects of the medium to one other, like the density and pressure. That's contained in the energy momentum tensor you plug into the EFE .
Okay thank you. So from what you are saying, I gather that the assumption that the pressure is isotropic is my equation of state? That is, p = s for the radial and tangent pressures, thereby relating two aspects of the medium together?
 
  • #4
@grav-universe as I told you in the PM thread we are having, the term "equation of state" is a standard term in physics and thermodynamics. Look it up. Even Wikipedia has an article on it. The term is not limited to GR or to solutions of the EFE; it is a term of very general application.
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50 and vanhees71
  • #5
grav-universe said:
So from what you are saying, I gather that the assumption that the pressure is isotropic is my equation of state?
No. As I told you in the PM thread, an equation of state is a functional relationship between the pressure ##p## and the energy density ##\rho##. Please take the time to learn this standard term. Once you have done that, if you have questions based on what you read in a source that discusses equations of state, you can start a new thread to ask them. In the meantime, this thread is closed.
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71

FAQ: Equation of state for Einstein field equations

What is an equation of state in the context of the Einstein field equations?

An equation of state in the context of the Einstein field equations describes the relationship between various state variables such as pressure, density, and temperature of the matter and energy content in the universe. It is essential for determining how these quantities influence the curvature of spacetime.

Why is the equation of state important for solving the Einstein field equations?

The equation of state is crucial for solving the Einstein field equations because it provides the necessary link between the matter-energy content of the universe and the geometric structure of spacetime. Without it, the field equations would be incomplete, as they require specific information about the distribution and properties of matter and energy to predict the evolution of the universe.

What are common forms of equations of state used in cosmology?

Common forms of equations of state used in cosmology include the perfect fluid equation of state, where pressure is proportional to density (p = wρ, with w being the equation of state parameter), and more specific cases like the equation of state for dark energy (w ≈ -1), radiation (w = 1/3), and non-relativistic matter (w = 0).

How does the cosmological constant relate to the equation of state?

The cosmological constant (Λ) can be interpreted as a form of energy with a constant equation of state parameter w = -1. It represents a uniform energy density filling space homogeneously, contributing to the accelerated expansion of the universe. In the Einstein field equations, it acts as an additional term that influences the curvature of spacetime.

Can the equation of state change over time in the universe?

Yes, the equation of state can change over time in the universe. For example, during different epochs, the dominant form of energy density has varied—from radiation in the early universe, to matter during the intermediate period, to dark energy in the current epoch. This evolution affects the dynamics and expansion rate of the universe as described by the Einstein field equations.

Similar threads

Back
Top