Abstract
A new exact solution of the vacuum Einstein equations describing the spacetime following the collision of two plane impulsive gravitational waves, each supporting a plane gravitational wave, is obtained. The solution has been extended prior to the instant of collision and the main features of the resulting space-time have been analyzed, using the Newman-Penrose formalism. It is shown that the result of the collision is the development of a singularity of the spacetime due to the simultaneous focussing of the two plane waves.
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Ferrari, V., Ibañez, J. A new exact solution for colliding gravitational plane waves. Gen Relat Gravit 19, 383–404 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00767279
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00767279