Presenter Information

Kevin Rhine, Utah State University

Class

Article

College

College of Science

Department

Physics Department

Faculty Mentor

Charles Torre

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Electromagnetism is well-understood in the case of flat spacetimes through Maxwell's equations. However, these equations do not account for spacetime curvature, yet there exist environments in which the spacetime curves enough to affect electromagnetic fields. Such extreme conditions can be found in the early stages of the universe, as well as near dense objects such as neutron stars and charged black holes. In order to understand electromagnetic interactions in these environments, one must solve the coupled Einstein-Maxwell equations, which form a highly complicated non-linear system of second-order partial differential equations. Despite their immense complexity, we can solve these equations by seeking out the most symmetrical solutions first and by using USU's Differential Geometry package in Maple.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-11-2023 1:30 PM

End Date

4-11-2023 2:30 PM

Included in

Physics Commons

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Apr 11th, 1:30 PM Apr 11th, 2:30 PM

Electromagnetism in Curved Spacetime

Logan, UT

Electromagnetism is well-understood in the case of flat spacetimes through Maxwell's equations. However, these equations do not account for spacetime curvature, yet there exist environments in which the spacetime curves enough to affect electromagnetic fields. Such extreme conditions can be found in the early stages of the universe, as well as near dense objects such as neutron stars and charged black holes. In order to understand electromagnetic interactions in these environments, one must solve the coupled Einstein-Maxwell equations, which form a highly complicated non-linear system of second-order partial differential equations. Despite their immense complexity, we can solve these equations by seeking out the most symmetrical solutions first and by using USU's Differential Geometry package in Maple.