Abstract
We show by an almost elementary calculation that the ADM mass of an asymptotically flat space can be computed as a limit involving a rate of change of area of a closed 2-surface. The result is essentially the same as that given by David Brown and York (Phys. Rev. D 55, 1977–1984 1997; Phys. Rev. D 47, 1407–1419 1993). We will prove this result in two ways, first by direct calculation from the original formula as given by Arnowitt, Deser and Misner and second as a corollary of an earlier result by Brewin for the case of simplicial spaces.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arnowitt R., Deser S. and Misner C.W. (1962). The dynamics of general relativity. In: Witten, L. (eds) Gravitation: An Introduction to Current Research, pp 227–265. Wiley, New York
Brewin L. (1989). Anowitt–deser–misner energy and three-momentum for a simplicial space. Phys. Rev. D 39(8): 2258–2262
Gentle A.P. (2002). Regge calculus: a unique tool for numerical relativity. Gen. Rel. Grav. 34: 1701–1718
David Brown J., Stephen R.L. and York J.W. (1997). Energy of isolated systems at retarded times as the null limit of quasilocal energy. Phys. Rev. D 55: 1977–1984
David Brown J. and York J.W. (1993). Quasilocal energy and conserved charges derived from the gravitational action. Phys. Rev. D 47: 1407–1419
Lewy H. (1938). On the existence of a closed convex surface realizing a given riemannian metric. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 24(2): 104–106
Misner C.W., Thorne K.S. and Wheeler J.A. (1973). Gravitation. W. H. Freeman, San Francisco
Nirenberg L. (1953). The weyl and minkowski problems in differential geometry in the large. Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 6: 337–394
Regge T. (1961). General relativity without coordinates. Il Nuovo Cimento XIX(3): 558–571
Wald R.M. (1984). General Relativity. University of Chicago Press, Chicago
Willimas R. and Tuckey P. (1992). Regge calculus: a bibliography and a brief review. Classical Qunatum Gravity 9: 1409–1422
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Brewin, L. A simple expression for the ADM mass. Gen Relativ Gravit 39, 521–528 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-007-0403-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-007-0403-9