Weak equivalence principle for self-gravitating bodies: A sieve for purely metric theories of gravity

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.

The increasing importance of relativistic gravity in astrophysics has led to the need for a detailed analysis of theories of gravity and their viability. Accordingly, in this thesis, metric theories of gravity are compiled, and are classified into four groups: (i) general relativity (ii) scalar-tensor theories (iii) conformally flat theories and (iv) stratified theories. The post-Newtonian limit of each theory is constructed and its Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) values are obtained. These results, when combined with experimental data and with recent work by Nordtvedt and Will, show that, of all theories thus far examined by our group, the only currently viable ones are (i) general relativity, (ii) the Bergmann-Wagoner scalar-tensor theory and its special cases (Nordtvedt; Brans-Dicke-Jordan, (iii) recent, (as yet unpublished ) vector-tensor theory by Nordtvedt, Hellings, and Will, and (iv) a new stratified theory by the author, which is presented for the first time in this thesis. The PPN formalism is used to analyze stellar stability in any metric theory of gravity. This analysis enables one to infer, for any given gravitation theory, the extent to which post-Newtonian effects induce instabilities in white dwarfs, in neutron stars, and in supermassive stars. It also reveals the extent to which our current empirical knowledge of post-Newtonian gravity (based on solar-system experiments) actually guarantees that relativistic instabilities exist. In particular, it shows that for conservative theories of gravity, current solar-system experiments gua­rantee that relativistic corrections do induce dynamical instabilities in stars with adiabatic indices slightly greater than 4/3, while for non-conservative theories, current experiments do not permit any firm conclusion.

I show that several observable properties of bursting neutron stars in metric theories of gravity can be calculated using only conservation laws, Killing symmetries, and the Einstein equivalence principle, without requiring the validity of the general relativistic field equations. I calculate, in particular, the gravitational redshift of a surface atomic line, the touchdown luminosity of a radius-expansion burst, which is believed to be equal to the Eddington critical luminosity, and the apparent surface area of a neutron star as measured during the cooling tails of bursts. I show that, for a general metric theory of gravity, the apparent surface area of a neutron star depends on the coordinate radius of the stellar surface and on its gravitational redshift in the exact same way as in general relativity. On the other hand, the Eddington critical luminosity depends also on an additional parameter that measures the degree to which the general relativistic field equations are satisfied. These results can be used in conjunction with current and future high-energy observations of bursting neutron stars to test general relativity in the strong-field regime.

Metric theories of gravity are compiled and classified according to the types of gravitational fields they contain, and the modes of interaction among those fields. The gravitation theories considered are classified as (1) general relativity, (2) scalar-tensor theories, (3) conformally flat theories, and (4) stratified theories with conformally flat space slices. The post-Newtonian limit of each theory is constructed and its Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) values are obtained by comparing it with Will's version of the formalism. Results obtained here, when combined with experimental data and with recent work by Nordtvedt and Will and by Ni, show that, of all theories thus far examined by our group, the only currently viable ones are general relativity, the Bergmann-Wagoner scalar-tensor theory and its special cases (Nordtvedt; Brans-Dicke-Jordan), and a recent, new vector-tensor theory by Nordtvedt, Hellings, and Will.

This thesis presents theoretical frameworks for the analysis and testing of gravitation theories - both metric and non-metric. For non-metric theories, the high-precision Eotvos-Dicke-Braginskii (EDB) experiments are demonstrated to be powerful tests of their gravitational coupling to electromagnetic interactions. All known non-metric theories are ruled out to within the precision of the EDB experiments. We present a new metric theory of gravity that cannot be distinguished from general relativity in all current and planned solar system experiments. However, this theory has very different gravitational-wave properties. Hence, we point out the need for further tests of metric theories beyond the Parametrized Post-Newtonian formalism, and emphasize the importance of the observation of gravitational waves as a tool for testing relativistic gravity in the future. A theory-independent formalism delineating the properties of weak, plane gravitational waves in metric theories is set up. General conservation laws that follow from variational principles in metric theories of gravity are investigated.

We present a simple method of deriving the semiclassical equations of motion for a spinning particle in a gravitational field. We investigate the cases of classical, rotating particles, i.e. the so-called pole–dipole particles, as well as particles with an additional intrinsic spin. We show that, starting with a simple Lagrangian, one can derive equations for the spin evolution and momentum propagation in the framework of metric theories of gravity (general relativity) and in theories based on a Riemann–Cartan geometry (Poincaré gauge theory), without explicitly referring to matter current densities (spin and stress energy). Our results agree with those derived from the multipole expansion of the current densities by the conventional Papapetrou method and from the WKB analysis for elementary particles.

view Abstract Citations (5) References (8) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Relativistic tidal forces. Nordtvedt, K. Abstract The post-Newtonian, relativistic (1/c-squared) tidal force is calculated within the general PPN framework of all metric theories of gravity. There are no relativistic tides in general relativity, but they are generally nonzero in other metric theories of gravity, including scalar-tensor theories. In close binaries, such as the binary pulsar system PSR 1913+16, the relativistic tides can be orders of magnitude larger than Newtonian tides. In 'preferred frame' theories of gravity in which the PPN coefficient alpha(1) is nonzero, the relativistic tidal field is not the gradient of a scalar potential, but includes also a circulating, nonconservative field in a body. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: January 1983 DOI: 10.1086/160633 Bibcode: 1983ApJ...264..620N Keywords: Binary Stars; Free Fall; Gravitation Theory; Relativity; Tides; Equations Of Motion; Pulsars; Scalars; Space-Time Functions; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1)

Conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum in metric theories of gravity is studied extensively both in Lagrangian formulations (using generalized Bianchi identities) and in the post-Newtonian limit of general metric theories. Our most important results are the following: (i) The matter response equations $T_{}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}{}_{;\ensuremath{\nu}}{}^{}=0$ of any Lagrangian-based, generally covariant metric theory (LBGCM theory) are a consequence of the gravitational-field equations if and only if the theory contains no absolute variables. (ii) Almost all LBGCM theories possess conservation laws of the form $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}{}_{,\ensuremath{\nu}}{}^{}{}_{}{}^{}=0$ (where $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ reduces to $T_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ in the absence of gravity). (iii) $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ is always expressible in terms of a superpotential, $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}=\ensuremath{\Lambda}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{[\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\alpha}]}{}_{,\ensuremath{\alpha}}{}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$, If the superpotential $\ensuremath{\Lambda}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{[\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\alpha}]}$ can be expressed in terms of asymptotic values of field quantities, then the conserved integral ${P}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=\ensuremath{\int}\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}{d}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ can be measured by experiments confined to the asymptotically flat region outside the source. (iv) In the Will-Nordtvedt ten-parameter post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism there exists a conserved ${P}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ if and only if the parameters obey five specific constraints; two additional constraints are needed for the existence of a conserved angular momentum ${J}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ (This modifies and extends a previous result due to Will.) (v) We conjecture that for metric theories of gravity, the conservation of energy-momentum is equivalent to the existence of a Lagrangian formulation; and using the PPN formalism, we prove the post-Newtonian limit of this conjecture. (vi) We present "stress-energy-momentum complexes" $\ensuremath{\theta}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ for all currently viable metric theories known to us.

This paper is written mostly in an overview style in its nature thus avoiding many equations and computations, which casual readers do not necessarily understand. Paper investigates and compares side by side in detail assumptions with their logical consequences and resulting internal inconsistencies in both; the General Relativity Theory and the Metric Theory of Gravity. It is found that the GRT has many such internal inconsistencies, which have to be corrected by unusual and difficult to believe assumptions that are not backed up by a typical experience one encounters in a real life, while the MTG avoids such problems. For the readers who are interested in proofs of discussed findings the paper provides internet links to papers where such proofs are available. The key differences between the GRT and MTG theories are: the gravitational mass dependence on velocity, nature of the “empty” space, the finite or infinite size of the Universe, the existence of Black Holes (BH) with their Event Horizons (EH), the creation of Universe by the Big Bang (BB), and the relation between the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR) temperature, and the Hubble constant that characterizes the velocity of receding Galaxies.   

If the Pioneer anomaly has a gravitational origin, it would, according to the equivalence principle, distort the motions of the planets in the Solar System. Since no anomalous motion of the planets has been detected, it is generally believed that the Pioneer anomaly can not originate from a gravitational source in the Solar System. However, this conclusion becomes less obvious when considering models that either imply modifications to gravity over long distances or gravitational sources localized to the outer Solar System, given the uncertainty in the orbital parameters of the outer planets. Following the general assumption that the Pioneer spacecraft move geodesically in a spherically symmetric space-time metric, we derive the metric disturbance that is needed in order to account for the Pioneer anomaly. We then analyze the residual effects on the astronomical observables of the three outer planets that would arise from this metric disturbance, given an arbitrary metric theory of gravity. Providing a method for comparing the computed residuals with actual residuals, our results imply that the presence of a perturbation to the gravitational field necessary to induce the Pioneer anomaly is in conflict with available data for the planets Uranus and Pluto, but not for Neptune. Wemore » therefore conclude that the motion of the Pioneer spacecraft must be nongeodesic. Since our results are model-independent within the class of metric theories of gravity, they can be applied to rule out any model of the Pioneer anomaly that implies that the Pioneer spacecraft move geodesically in a perturbed space-time metric, regardless of the origin of this metric disturbance.« less

The Einstein equivalence principle is the foundation for general relativity and all metric theories of gravity. Of its three tenets—the equality of acceleration of test bodies, or weak equivalence principle; the validity of Lorentz invariance in local freely falling frames; and the position invariance of local physical laws—the weak equivalence principle has played the most important role historically, and continues to be a focus of intense theoretical and experimental investigation. From the probably apocryphal 16th century demonstrations by Galileo at Pisa's leaning tower to the sensitive torsion-balance measurements of today (both pictured on the cover of this issue), this principle, dubbed WEP, has been crucial to the development of gravitation theory. The universality of the rate of acceleration of all types of matter in a gravitational field can be taken as evidence that gravitation is fundamentally determined by the geometry, or metric, of spacetime. Newton began his magnum opus 'The Principia' with a discussion of WEP and his experiments to verify it, while Einstein took WEP for granted in his construction of general relativity, never once referring to the epochal experiments by Baron Eötvös.The classic 1964 experiment of Roll, Krotkov and Dicke ushered in the modern era of high-precision tests, and the search for a 'fifth force' during the late 1980s (instigated, ironically, by purported anomalies in Eötvös's old data) caused the enterprise to pivot from pure tests of the foundation of GR to searches for new physics beyond the standard model of the non-gravitational interactions.Today, the next generation of experimental tests of WEP are being prepared for launch or are being developed, with the goal of reaching unprecedented levels of sensitivity, in search of signatures of interactions inspired by string theory, extra dimensions and other concepts from the world of high-energy physics. At the same time observations continue using lunar laser ranging and binary pulsar timing to test a stronger version of WEP, in order to verify whether gravitational mass/energy itself falls with the same acceleration as normal matter.This focus issue brings together a set of invited papers to explore the many aspects of testing WEP. An introductory article laying out the theoretical context is followed by articles on current laboratory experiments. Four articles describe the latest results from lunar laser ranging and binary pulsar timing, while two articles discuss progress toward testing the free fall of antihydrogen. The final four articles address future experiments to be carried out in space on orbiting or sub-orbital platforms.We hope that readers will take away from these articles both the centrality of this principle to gravitational physics and the rich and wide-ranging experimental activity that is being carried out to test it.C C Speake and C M Will Guest Editors

The apparent discrepancy between the bending of light predicted by the equivalence principle and its corresponding value in general relativity is resolved by evaluating the deflection of light with respect to a direction that is parallel transported along the ray trajectory in 3-space. In this way the bending predicted by the equivalence principle is fulfilled in general relativity and other alternative metric theories of gravity.

Cosmological gravitational waves (GWs) are usually associated with the transverse traceless part of the metric perturbations in the context of the theory of cosmological perturbations. These modes are just the usual polarizations ‘+’ and ‘×’ which appear in the general relativity theory. However, in the majority of the alternative theories of gravity, GWs can present more than these two polarization states. In this context, the Newman–Penrose formalism is particularly suitable for evaluating the number of non-null GW modes. In the present work we intend to take into account these extra polarization states for cosmological GWs in alternative theories of gravity. As an application, we derive the dynamical equations for cosmological GWs for two specific theories, namely a general scalar–tensor theory which presents four polarization states and a massive bimetric theory which is in the most general case with six polarization states for GWs. However, the mathematical tool presented here is quite general, so it can be used to study cosmological perturbations in all metric theories of gravity.

Collaborative international efforts under the name of the Event Horizon Telescope project, using sub- mm very long baseline interferometry, are soon expected to provide the first images of the shadow cast by the candidate supermassive black hole in our Galactic center, Sagittarius A*. Observations of this shadow would provide direct evidence of the existence of astrophysical black holes. Although it is expected that astrophysical black holes are described by the axisymmetric Kerr solution, there also exist many other black hole solutions, both in general relativity and in other theories of gravity, which cannot presently be ruled out. To this end, we present calculations of black hole shadow images from various metric theories of gravity as described by our recent work on a general parameterisation of axisymmetric black holes [R. Konoplya, L. Rezzolla and A. Zhidenko, Phys. Rev. D 93, 064015 (2016)]. An algorithm to perform general ray-tracing calculations for any metric theory of gravity is first outlined and then employed to demonstrate that even for extremal metric deformation parameters of various black hole spacetimes, this parameterisation is both robust and rapidly convergent to the correct solution.

We discuss the advantages of using metric theories of gravity with curvature–matter couplings in order to construct a relativistic generalization of the simplest version of Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), where Tully–Fisher scalings are valid for a wide variety of astrophysical objects. We show that these proposals are valid at the weakest perturbation order for trajectories of massive and massless particles (photons). These constructions can be divided into local and non-local metric theories of gravity with curvature–matter couplings. Using the simplest two local constructions in an FLRW universe for dust, we show that there is no need for the introduction of dark matter and dark energy components into the Friedmann equation in order to account for type Ia supernovae observations of an accelerated universe at the present epoch.