Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics

Erscheinungsjahr 1985
ISBN: 978-0-521-31710-8
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 354 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 520 g

This 1985 text offers a comprehensive survey of research and testing conducted in general relativity. As background it introduces the important principles of gravitational theory and develops the mathematical formalism necessary to carry out specific computations in order to compare theoretical predictions with experimental findings. The survey of experimental results includes not only Einstein's classical tests but also solar-system tests, never envisioned by Einstein, that make use of the high-precision space technology of the 1960s and 1970s. It also gives a systematic account of the remarkable 'binar pulsar' PSP 1913 16, the first evidence of gravitational waves. This volume will be a useful point of reference for any reader interested in the empirical underpinnings of one of the great theories of the twentieth century.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Will, Clifford M.

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Experimentalphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Theoretische Physik, Mathematische Physik, Computerphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Quantenphysik Relativität, Gravitation

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The Einstein equivalence principle and the foundations of gravitation theory; 3. Gravitation as a geometric phenomenon; 5. Post-Newtonian limits of alternative metric theories of gravity; 6. Equations of motion in the PPN formalism; 7. The classical tests; 8. Tests of the strong equivalence principle; 9. Other tests of Post-Newtonian gravity; 10. Gravitational radiation as a tool for testing relativistic gravity; 11. Structure and motion of compact objects in alternative theories of gravity; 12. The binary pulsar; 13. Cosmological tests; References; index.