We review results on the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat Einstein-Vlasov system. We focus on a recent result where we found explicit conditions on the initial data which guarantee the formation of a black hole in the evolution. Among these data there are data such that the corresponding solutions exist globally in Schwarzschild coordinates. We put these results into a more general context, and we include arguments which show that the spacetimes we obtain satisfy the weak cosmic censorship conjecture and contain a black hole in the sense of suitable mathematical definitions of these concepts which are available in the literature.
Using an estimate, we prove that if solution of the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system develops a singularity at all time, then the first one has to appear at the center of symmetry.
Using the iterative Scheme we prove the local existence and uniqueness of solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system with small initial data. We prove a continuation criterion to global in-time solutions.
The spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system in Schwarzschild coordinates (i.e. polar slicing and areal radial coordinate) is considered. An improved continuation criterion for global existence of classical solutions is given. Two other types of criteria which prevent finite time blow-up are also given.
Using ODE techniques we prove the existence of large classes of initial data satisfying the constraints for the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system. These include data for which the ratio of total charge to total mass is arbitrarily large.
We prove a new global existence result for the asymptotically flat, spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system which describes in the framework of general relativity an ensemble of particles which interact by gravity. The data are such that initially all the particles are moving radially outward and that this property can be bootstrapped. The resulting non-vacuum spacetime is future geodesically complete.
Classical solutions of the spherically symmetric Nordström-Vlasov system are shown to exist globally in time. The main motivation for investigating the mathematical properties of the Nordström-Vlasov system is its relation to the Einstein-Vlasov system. The former is not a physically correct model, but it is expected to capture some of the typical features of the latter, which constitutes a physically satisfactory, relativistic model but is mathematically much more complex. We show that classical solutions of the spherically symmetric Nordström-Vlasov system exist globally in time for compactl…
In a previous paper two of the authors (G. R. and A. D. R.) showed that there exist global, classical solutions of the spherically symmetric Vlasov-Einstein system for small initial data. The present paper continues this investigation and allows also large initial data. It is shown that if a solution of the spherically symmetric Vlasov-Einstein system develops a singularity at all then the first singularity has to appear at the center of symmetry. The result adds weight to the conjecture that cosmic censorship holds if one replaces dust as matter model for which naked singularities do form by …
We construct the general spherically symmetric and self-similar solution of the Einstein-Vlasov system (collisionless matter coupled to general relativity) with massless particles, under certain regularity conditions. Such solutions have a curvature singularity by construction, and their initial data on a Cauchy surface to the past of the singularity can be chosen to have compact support in momentum space. They can also be truncated at large radius so that they have compact support in space, while retaining self-similarity in a central region that includes the singularity. However, the Vlasov …
The stability features of steady states of the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system are investigated numerically. We find support for the conjecture by Zeldovich and Novikov that the binding energy maximum along a steady state sequence signals the onset of instability, a conjecture which we extend to and confirm for non-isotropic states. The sign of the binding energy of a solution turns out to be relevant for its time evolution in general. We relate the stability properties to the question of universality in critical collapse and find that for Vlasov matter universality does not seem …
The Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell (EVM) system can be viewed as a relativistic generalization of the Vlasov-Poisson (VP) system. As it is proved below, one of nice property obeys by the first system is that the strong energy condition holds and this allows to conclude that the above system is physically viable. We show in this paper that in the context of spherical symmetry, solutions of the perturbed (EVM) system by $γ:= 1/c^{2}$, $c$ being the speed of light, exist and converge uniformly in $L^{\infty}$-norm, as $c$ goes to infinity on compact time intervals to solutions of the non-relativistic (V…
We consider the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat, non-vacuum Einstein equations, using as matter model a collisionless gas as described by the Vlasov equation. We find explicit conditions on the initial data which guarantee the formation of a trapped surface in the evolution which in particular implies that weak cosmic censorship holds for these data. We also analyze the evolution of solutions after a trapped surface has formed and we show that the event horizon is future complete. Furthermore we find that the apparent horizon and the event horizon do not coincide. This behavior is a…
We solve the coupled Einstein-Vlasov system in spherical symmetry using direct numerical integration of the Vlasov equation in phase space. Focusing on the case of massless particles we study critical phenomena in the model, finding strong evidence for generic type I behaviour at the black hole threshold that parallels what has previously been observed in the massive sector. For differing families of initial data we find distinct critical solutions, so there is no universality of the critical configuration itself. However we find indications of at least a weak universality in the lifetime scal…
The Vlasov-Einstein system describes the evolution of an ensemble of particles (such as stars in a galaxy, galaxies in a galaxy cluster etc.) interacting only by the gravitational field which they create collectively and which obeys Einstein's field equations. The matter distribution is described by the Vlasov or Liouville equation for a collisionless gas. Recent investigations seem to indicate that such a matter model is particularly suited in a general relativistic setting and may avoid the formation of naked singularities, as opposed to other matter models. In the present note we consider t…
Using both numerical and analytical tools we study various features of static, spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system. In particular, we investigate the possible shapes of their mass-energy density and find that they can be multi-peaked, we give numerical evidence and a partial proof for the conjecture that the Buchdahl inequality $\sup_{r > 0} 2 m(r)/r < 8/9$, $m(r)$ the quasi-local mass, holds for all such steady states--both isotropic {\em and} anisotropic--, and we give numerical evidence and a partial proof for the conjecture that for any given microscopic equation …
Given a static Schwarzschild spacetime of ADM mass M, it is well-known that no ingoing causal geodesic starting in the outer domain r>2M will cross the event horizon r=2M in finite Schwarzschild time. In the present paper we show that in gravitational collapse of Vlasov matter this behaviour can be very different. We construct initial data for which a black hole forms and all matter crosses the event horizon as Schwarzschild time goes to infinity, and we show that this is a necessary condition for geodesic completeness of the event horizon. In addition to a careful analysis of the asymptotic b…
In this paper we study static spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov shells, made up of equal mass particles, where the angular momentum L of particles takes values only on a discrete finite set. We consider first the case where there is only one value of L, and prove their existence by constructing explicit examples. Shells with either hollow or black hole interiors have finite thickness. Of particular interest is the thin shell limit of these systems and we study its properties using both numerical and analytic arguments to compare with known results. The general case of a set of values of L …
We construct a one-parameter family of static and spherically symmetric solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system bifurcating from the Schwarzschild spacetime. The constructed solutions have the property that the spatial support of the matter is a finite, spherically symmetric shell located away from the black hole. Our proof is mostly based on the analysis of the set of trapped timelike geodesics and of the effective potential energy for static spacetimes close to Schwarzschild. This provides an alternative approach to the construction of static solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system in a neig…
We construct, by numerical means, static solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system and investigate various features of the solutions. This extends a previous investigation \cite{AR1} of the chargeless case. We study the possible shapes of the energy density profile as a function of the area radius when the electric charge of an individual particle is varied as a parameter. We find profiles which are multi-peaked, where the peaks are separated either by vacuum or a thin atmosphere, and we find that for a sufficiently large charge parameter there are no physically mea…
We reduce the equations governing the spherically symmetric perturbations of static spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system (with either massive or massless particles) to a single stratified wave equation $-ψ_{,tt}=Hψ$, with $H$ containing second derivatives in radius, and integrals over energy and angular momentum. We identify an inner product with respect to which $H$ is symmetric, and use the Ritz method to approximate the lowest eigenvalues of $H$ numerically. For two representative background solutions with massless particles we find a single unstable mode with a gro…
This paper continues the investigation of the formation of naked singularities in the collapse of collisionless matter initiated in [RV]. There the existence of certain classes of non-smooth solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system was proved. Those solutions are self-similar and hence not asymptotically flat. To obtain solutions which are more physically relevant it makes sense to attempt to cut off these solutions in a suitable way so as to make them asymptotically flat. This task, which turns out to be technically challenging, will be carried out in this paper. [RV] A. D. Rendall and J. J. L…
We prove the existence of static, asymptotically flat non-vacuum spacetimes with axial symmetry where the matter is modeled as a collisionless gas. The axially symmetric solutions of the resulting Einstein-Vlasov system are obtained via the implicit function theorem by perturbing off a suitable spherically symmetric steady state of the Vlasov-Poisson system.
Rigorous results on solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system are surveyed. After an introduction to this system of equations and the reasons for studying it, a general discussion of various classes of solutions is given. The emphasis is on presenting important conceptual ideas, while avoiding entering into technical details. Topics covered include spatially homogenous models, static solutions, spherically symmetric collapse and isotropic singularities.
We numerically investigate the dynamics near black hole formation of solutions to the Einstein--Vlasov system in axisymmetry. Our results are obtained using a particle-in-cell and finite difference code based on the $(2+1)+1$ formulation of the Einstein field equations in axisymmetry. Solutions are launched from non-stationary initial data and exhibit type I critical behaviour. In particular, we find lifetime scaling in solutions containing black holes, and support that the critical solutions are stationary. Our results contain examples of solutions that form black holes, perform damped oscill…
In a previous work \cite{An1} matter models such that the energy density $ρ\geq 0,$ and the radial- and tangential pressures $p\geq 0$ and $q,$ satisfy $p+q\leqΩρ, Ω\geq 1,$ were considered in the context of Buchdahl's inequality. It was proved that static shell solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein equations obey a Buchdahl type inequality whenever the support of the shell, $[R_0,R_1], R_0>0,$ satisfies $R_1/R_0<1/4.$ Moreover, given a sequence of solutions such that $R_1/R_0\to 1,$ then the limit supremum of $2M/R_1$ was shown to be bounded by $((2Ω+1)^2-1)/(2Ω+1)^2.$ In this paper…
Equilibrium states in galactic dynamics can be described as stationary solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system, which is the non-relativistic case, or of the Vlasov-Einstein system, which is the relativistic case. To obtain spherically symmetric stationary solutions the distribution function of the particles (stars) on phase space is taken to be a function of the particle energy and angular momentum. We give a new condition on this function which guarantees that the resulting steady state has finite mass and compact support both for the non-relativistic and the relativistic case. The condition …
These lectures are designed to provide a general introduction to the Einstein-Vlasov system and to the global Cauchy problem for these equations. To start with some general facts are collected and a local existence theorem for the Cauchy problem stated. Next the case of spherically symmetric asymptotically flat solutions is examined in detail. The approach taken, using maximal-isotropic coordinates, is new. It is shown that if a singularity occurs in the time evolution of spherically symmetric initial data, the first singularity (as measured by a maximal time coordinate) occurs at the centre. …
We look for the global in time solution of the Cauchy problem corresponding to the asymptotically flat spherically symmetric EVM system with small initial data. Using an estimate, we also prove that if solution of the system stated above develops a singularity at all time, then the first one has to appear at the center of symmetry.
In this paper, we discuss gravitational collapse of spherically symmetric spacetimes. We derive a general formalism by taking two arbitrary spherically symmetric spacetimes with $g_{00}=1$. Israel's junction conditions are used to develop this formalism. The formulae for extrinsic curvature tensor are obtained. The general form of the surface energy-momentum tensor depending on extrinsic curvature tensor components is derived. This leads us to the surface energy density and the tangential pressure. The formalism is applied to two known spherically symmetric spacetimes. The results obtained sho…
We revisit the gravitational collapse of spherically symmetric Lemaître - Tolman - Bondi (LTB) dust models. A sufficient condition for global visibility of singularity is given. This condition also allows us to extend the condition of local visibility to mass functions which are not Taylor expandable near the centre.
We prove that "first singularities" in the non-trapped region of the maximal development of spherically symmetric asymptotically flat data for the Einstein-Vlasov system must necessarily emanate from the center. The notion of "first" depends only on the causal structure and can be described in the language of terminal indecomposable pasts (TIPs). This result suggests a local approach to proving weak cosmic censorship for this system. It can also be used to give the first proof of the formation of black holes by the collapse of collisionless matter from regular initial configurations.
In this paper, we initiate the study of the asymptotically AdS initial-boundary value problem for the Einstein-massless Vlasov system with $Λ<0$ in spherical symmetry. We will establish the existence and uniqueness of a maximal future development for the characteristic initial-boundary value problem in the case when smooth initial data are prescribed on a future light cone $\mathcal{C}^{+}$ emanating from a point at $\{r=0\}$ and a reflecting boundary condition is imposed on conformal infinity $\mathcal{I}$. We will then prove a number of continuation criteria for smooth solutions of the spher…
The present work investigates the gravitational collapse of a perfect fluid in $f(R)$ gravity models. For a general $f(R)$ theory, it is shown analytically that a collapse is quite possible. The singularity formed as a result of the collapse is found to be a curvature singularity of shell focusing type. The possibility of the formation of an apparent horizon hiding the central singularity depends on the initial conditions.
The aim of the present letter is to explain the `critical behaviour' observed in numerical studies of spherically symmetric gravitational collaps of a perfect fluid. A simple expression results for the critical index $γ$ of the black hole mass considered as an order parameter. $γ$ turns out to vary strongly with the parameter $k$ of the assumed equation of state $p=kρ$.
Future stability of expanding spatially homogeneous FLRW solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein--massless Vlasov system with spatial topology $\mathbb{R}^3$
A distinguishable physical property between a naked singularity and a black-hole, formed during a gravitational collapse has important implications for both experimental and theoretical relativity. We examine the energy radiated during the spherically symmetric Gravitational collapse in this context within the framework of general relativity. It is shown that total energy radiated(Mass Loss) during the collapse ending in a naked singularity scenario cannot be more than the case when a collapse scenario ends in a black-hole. In cases of interest(for example stars having same mass, size, and int…
In the present work the collapse scenario of some exact non-spherical models with a minimally coupled scalar field is studied. Scalar field collapse with planar as well as toroidal, cylindrical and pseudoplanar symmetries have been investigated. It is shown that the scalar field may have collapsing modes even if it has the equation of state corresponding to that of a dark energy.
The results on local existence and continuation criteria obtained by G. Rein in [4] are extended to the case with a non-zero cosmological constant. It is also shown that for the spherically symmetric case and a positive cosmological constant there is a large class of initial data with global existence and inflationary asymptotics in the future as in the case of plane or hyperbolic symmetry treated in [7]. Furthermore we analyze the behaviour of the energy-momentum tensor at late times.
Numerical evidence is given that spherically symmetric perturbations of stable spherically symmetric steady states of the gravitational Vlasov-Poisson system lead to solutions which oscillate in time. The oscillations can be periodic in time or damped. Along one-parameter families of polytropic steady states we establish an Eddington-Ritter type relation which relates the period of the oscillation to the central density of the steady state. The numerically obtained periods are used to estimate possible periods for typical elliptical galaxies.
In this paper we present a simple but non-simplistic model of gravitational collapse with thermal emission of pre-Hawking radiation. We apply Einstein equations to a time-dependant spherically symmetric metric and an ultrarelativistic stress-energy tensor. In our model, particles either radially approach the center of the star as collapsing matter, or radially flee from it.
The spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system is considered in Schwarzschild coordinates and in maximal-isotropic coordinates. An open problem is the issue of global existence for initial data without size restrictions. The main purpose of the present work is to propose a method of approach for general initial data, which improves the regularity of the terms that need to be estimated compared to previous methods. We prove that global existence holds outside the centre in both these coordinate systems. In the Schwarzschild case we improve the bound on the momentum support obtained in \cite{R…
Recently a {\it local} true (completely gauge fixed) Hamiltonian for spherically symmetric collapse was derived in terms of Ashtekar variables. We show that such a local Hamiltonian follows directly from the geometrodynamics of gravity theories that obey a Birkhoff theorem and possess a mass function that is constant on the constraint surface in vacuum. In addition to clarifying the geometrical content, our approach has the advantage that it can be directly applied to a large class of spherically symmetric and 2D gravity theories, including $p$-th order Lovelock gravity in D dimensions. The re…
In this work, we consider a semiclassical description of the spherically symmetric gravitational collapse with a massless scalar field. In particular, we employ an effective scenario provided by holonomy corrections from loop quantum gravity, to the homogeneous interior spacetime. The singularity that would arise at the final stage of the corresponding classical collapse, is resolved in this context and is replaced by a bounce. Our main purpose is to investigate the evolution of trapped surfaces during this semiclassical collapse. Within this setting, we obtain a threshold radius for the colla…
We study equilibrium states in relativistic galactic dynamics which are described by solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system for collisionless matter. We recast the equations into a regular three-dimensional system of autonomous first order ordinary differential equations on a bounded state space. Based on a dynamical systems analysis we derive new theorems that guarantee that the steady state solutions have finite radii and masses.
The existence of stationary solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov-Maxwell system which are axially symmetric but not spherically symmetric is proven by means of the implicit function theorem on Banach spaces. The proof generalises the methods of an article by Håkan Andréasson, Markus Kunze and Gerhard Rein where a similar result is obtained for uncharged particles. Among the solutions constructed in this article there are rotating and non-rotating ones. Static solutions exhibit an electric but no magnetic field. In the case of rotating solutions, in addition to the electric field, a purely poloidal…
Sijie Gao has recently investigated Hawking radiation from spherically symmetrical gravitational collapse to an extremal R-N black hole for a real scalar field. Especially he estimated the upper bound for the expected number of particles in any wave packet belonging to $\mathcal{H}_{out}$ spontaneously produced from the state $|0>_{in}$, which confirms the traditional belief that extremal black holes do not radiate particles. Making some modifications, we demonstrate that the analysis can go through for a charged scalar field.
We address the question of radiation emitted from a collapsing star. We consider the simple model of a spherical star consisting of pressure-free dust and we derive the emission spectrum via a systematic asymptotic expansion of the complete Bogolubov amplitude. We present a review of standard features of the problem and we point out certain inconsistencies in previous derivations.
It is shown that a weak modification of general relativity, in the linearized approach, renders a spherically symmetric and stationary model of the universe. This is due to the presence of a third mode of polarization in the linearized gravity in which a "curvature" energy term is present. Such an energy can, in principle, be identified as the Dark Energy. The model can also help to a better understanding of the framework of the Einstein-Vlasov system.
In earlier work it was shown that a weak modification of general relativity, in the linearized approach, renders a spherically symmetric and stationary model of the Universe. This was due to the presence of a third mode of polarization in the linearized gravity in which a "curvature energy" term is present. Such term was identified as the Dark Energy of the Universe. In this letter a more realistic model is discussed. A different cosmological solution to the Einstein-Vlasov System is analysed. This solution shows reasonable results which are within the standard bounds predicted by the cosmolog…
For the cylindrically symmetric ''asymptotically flat'' Einstein equations in the case of electro-vacuum it is known that solutions exist globally and also that this class of spacetimes is causally geodesically complete. Hence strong cosmic censorship holds for this class. An interesting question is whether these results can be generalized to include spacetimes with phenomenological matter, e.g. collisionless matter described by the Vlasov equation. Spherically symmetric asymptotically flat solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system with small initial data are known to be causally geodesically co…
We present an algorithm for the construction of conformal coordinates in the interior of a spherically symmetric, collapsing matter cloud in general relativity. This algorithm is based on the numerical integration of radial null geodesics. As an application we generate conformal diagrams for collapsing spherical dust clouds and analyze the causal structure of the resulting spacetimes.
We study the critical behaviour of spherically symmetric scalar field collapse to black holes in spacetime dimensions other than four. We obtain reliable values for the scaling exponent in the supercritical region for dimensions in the range $3.5\leq D\leq 14$. The critical exponent increases monotonically to an asymptotic value at large $D$ of $γ\sim0.466$. The data is well fit by a simple exponential of the form: $γ\sim 0.466(1-e^{-0.408 D})$.
The Riemann, Ricci and Einstein tensors for N-dimensional spherically symmetric spacetimes in various systems of coordinates are studied, and the general metric for conformally flat spacetimes is given. As an application, all the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker-like solutions for a perfect fluid with an equation of state $p = k ρ$ are found. Then, these solutions are used to model the gravitational collapse of a compact ball, by first cutting them along a timelike hypersurface and then joining them with asymptotically flat Vaidya solutions. It is found that when the collapse has continuous self-sim…
Generalizing earlier results on the initial data and the final fate of dust collapse, we study here the relevance of the initial state of a spherically symmetric matter cloud towards determining its end state in the course of a continuing gravitational collapse. It is shown that given an arbitrary regular distribution of matter at the initial epoch, there always exists an evolution from this initial data which would result either in a black hole or a naked singularity depending on the allowed choice of free functions available in the solution. It follows that given any initial density and pres…
The phase space corresponding to a particular four-parameter family of initial data for the gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric dust cloud is investigated. In a certain limit of the parameters, this family reproduces the case of homogenous mass density -constant mass distribution- and zero initial velocity, while in another limit, it generates a globally naked singularity. We show that for initial data characterizing flat density profiles, as well as large initial velocities, the probability of forming a globally naked singularity is low.
