Abstract

Vaidya has obtained general solutions of the Einstein equationsR ab=σξ a ξ b by means of the Kerr-Schild metricsg ab=η ab +Hξ a ξ b . The vector field ξ a generates a shear free null geodetic congruence both in Minkowski space and in the Kerr-Schild space-time. If in addition it is hypersurface orthogonal, the Kerr-Schild metric may be interpreted as the “background metric” in a space-time perturbed by a high frequency gravitational wave. It is shown that Vaidya's solutions satisfying this additional condition are of only two types: (1) Kinnersley's accelerating point mass solution and (2) a similar solution where a space-like curve plays the role of the time-like curve describing the world line of the accelerating mass. The solution named by Vaidya as the radiating Kerr metric does not satisfy the hypersurface orthogonal condition.

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