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Inertial reference frames in Einstein's theory of gravitation

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Abstract

A physical definition of the inertial reference frame (IRF) is given, and the properties of solutions of the Einstein equation (with cosmological constantΛ), which admit an IRF (IRF solutions) are investigated. Their Petrov type is uniquely determined by the viscous stress tensor. Only the typesI, D or 0 are possible. The unique vacuum IRF solution is the Minkowski space-time. The unique IRF solution belonging to a perfect fluid is the Einstein universe.Λ is of special importance. ForΛ=0, the only physically admissible IRF solution is the Minkowski space-time. ForΛ≠0, only interior solutions with strong restrictions for density and pressure are possible.

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Author notes

  1. J. Audretsch

    Present address: Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Physik der Universität, D-775 Konstanz, Werner-Sombart-Strasse 30, West Germany

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  1. Institut für Theoretische Physik der Universität Freiburg i. Br., D-78 Freiburg i. Br., Hermann-Herderstrasse 3, West Germany

    J. Audretsch

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  1. J. Audretsch
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Audretsch, J. Inertial reference frames in Einstein's theory of gravitation. Int J Theor Phys 4, 1–9 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00671375

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00671375

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