DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/CAD8-0R03
Defense Date
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Physics and Applied Physics
First Advisor
Robert Gowdy
Abstract
From Birkoff's theorem, the geometry in four spacetime dimensions outside a spherically symmetric and static, gravitating source must be given by the Schwarzschild metric. This metric therefore satisfies the Einstein vacuum equations. If the mass which gives rise to the Schwarzschild spacetime geometry is concentrated within a radius of r=2M, a black hole will form. Non-accelerating particles (freely falling) traveling through this geometry will do so along parametrized curves called geodesics, which are curved space generalizations of straight paths. These geodesics can be found by solving the geodesic equation. In this thesis, the geodesic structure in the Schwarzschild geometry is investigated with an attempt to generalize the solution to higher dimensions.
Rights
© Ian M Newsome
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-7-2018