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xPert: computer algebra for metric perturbation theory

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Abstract

We present the tensor computer algebra package xPert for fast construction and manipulation of the equations of metric perturbation theory, around arbitrary backgrounds. It is based on the combination of explicit combinatorial formulas for the nth order perturbation of curvature tensors and their gauge changes, and the use of highly efficient techniques of index canonicalization, provided by the underlying tensor system xAct, for Mathematica. We give examples of use and show the efficiency of the system with timings plots: it is possible to handle orders n = 4 or n = 5 within seconds, or reach n = 10 with timings below 1 h.

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Author notes

  1. José M. Martín-García

    Present address: Laboratoire Univers et Théories, CNRS, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92190, Meudon, France

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Estructura de la Materia, CSIC, Serrano 121-123, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    David Brizuela, José M. Martín-García & Guillermo A. Mena Marugán

  2. Matematiska Institutionen, Linköpings Universitet, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden

    José M. Martín-García

  3. Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, CNRS, 98bis bd Arago, 75014, Paris, France

    José M. Martín-García

Authors
  1. David Brizuela
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  2. José M. Martín-García
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  3. Guillermo A. Mena Marugán
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to José M. Martín-García.

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Brizuela, D., Martín-García, J.M. & Mena Marugán, G.A. xPert: computer algebra for metric perturbation theory. Gen Relativ Gravit 41, 2415–2431 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-009-0773-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-009-0773-2

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