Non-linear instability of Kerr-type Cauchy horizons

Using the general solution to the Einstein equations on intersecting null surfaces developed by Hayward, we investigate the non-linear instability of the Cauchy horizon inside a realistic black hole. Making a minimal assumption about the free gravitational data allows us to solve the field equations along a null surface crossing the Cauchy Horizon. As in the spherical case, the results indicate that a diverging influx of gravitational energy, in concert with an outflux across the CH, is responsible for the singularity. The spacetime is asymptotically Petrov type N, the same algebraic type as a gravitational shock wave. Implications for the continuation of spacetime through the singularity are briefly discussed.Comment: 11 pages RevTeX, two postscript figures included using epsf.st

Thermodynamics and classification of cosmological models in the Horava-Lifshitz theory of gravity

We study thermodynamics of cosmological models in the Horava-Lifshitz theory of gravity, and systematically investigate the evolution of the universe filled with a perfect fluid that has the equation of state $p=w\rho$, where $p$ and $\rho$ denote, respectively, the pressure and energy density of the fluid, and $w$ is an arbitrary real constant. Depending on specific values of the free parameters involved in the models, we classify all of them into various cases. In each case the main properties of the evolution are studied in detail, including the periods of deceleration and/or acceleration, and the existence of big bang, big crunch, and big rip singularities. We pay particular attention on models that may give rise to a bouncing universe.Comment: revtex4, 21 figures. New references added & some changes made in Introduction. Version to appear in JCA

Classifying geometries in general relativity III: classification in practice

This is the third in a series of papers concerning a project to set up a computer database of exact solutions in general relativity which can be accessed and updated by the user community. In this paper, we describe how the Cartan-Karlhede method for classifying a geometry is accomplished in practice. We give as an example the classification of the Edgar-Lugwig conformally flat pure radiation metrics

Classifying geometries in general relativity I: standard forms for symmetric spinors

This is the first in a series of papers concerning a project to set up a computer database of exact solutions in general relativity which can be accessed and updated by the user community. In this paper, we briefly discuss the Cartan-Karlhede invariant classification of geometries and the significance of the standard form of a spinor. We then present algorithms for putting the Weyl spinor, Ricci spinor and general spinors into standard form

Classifying geometries in general relativity II: Spinor tools

This is the second in a series of papers concerning a project to set up a computer database of exact solutions in general relativity which can be accessed and updated by the user community. In this paper, we discuss the choice of computer algebra platform and the general relativity application package. The derivative operators needed in the Cartan-Karlhede classification algorithm and the behaviour of symmetric spinors under frame rotations are then presented