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The center of mass in general relativity

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Abstract

In Dixon's theory of the dynamics of extended bodies in metric theories of gravity, a definition of a center-of-mass line is proposed. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a zero-linear-momentum vector field. Using this vector field we show the existence of a center-of-mass line which is a smooth timelike curve contained in a convex hull of the world-tube of the body.

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  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Physik und Astrophysik, München

    R. Schattner

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  1. R. Schattner
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Schattner, R. The center of mass in general relativity. Gen Relat Gravit 10, 377–393 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00760221

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