Advanced General Relativity [Paperback]

A self-contained introduction to advanced general relativity.After reviewing the subject from a geometrical perspective, this self-contained introduction to key topics in advanced general relativity describes 2-component spinor theory, asymptotic theory far from a strong gravitational source and the natural characteristic initial value problem.After reviewing the subject from a geometrical perspective, this self-contained introduction to key topics in advanced general relativity describes 2-component spinor theory, asymptotic theory far from a strong gravitational source and the natural characteristic initial value problem.A modern self-contained introduction to key topics in advanced general relativity. The opening chapter reviews the subject, with strong emphasis on the geometric structures underlying the theory. The next chapter discusses 2-component spinor theory, its usefulness for describing zero-mass fields, its practical application via Newman-Penrose formalism, together with examples and applications. The subsequent chapter is an account of the asymptotic theory far from a strong gravitational source, describing the mathematical theory by which measurements of the far-field and gravitational radiation emanating from a source can be used to describe the source itself. The final chapter describes the natural characteristic initial value problem, first in general terms, and then with particular emphasis for relativity, concluding with its relation to Arnold's singularity theory. Exercises are included.Preface; 1. Differential geometry; 2. Spinors; 3. Asymptopia; 4. The characteristic initial value problem; Appendices; References; Index. ...the theoretical tools for detailed analytical and numerical prediction are becoming increasingly important. Stewart's concise and lucid summary, the only book of its kind, is therefore very timely....a fine and very useful book, which I strongly recommend to all interested in the subject. Malcolm MacCallum, Physics Todayló(