This investigates the gravitational fields outside of nearly-spherical azimuthally symmetric homogeneous bodies in general relativity through use of perturbation theory. The classical gravitational potential of a general azimuthal perturbation of a sphere is derived. Then, Einstein's field equations in matter-free space are linearized and separated for the relativistic case. Finally, the gravitational field of a nearly-spherical oblate spheroid is found in the form of a metric for space-time.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Carchedi, David J.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04D236M

Advisor

• Lew Yan Voon, Lok C.
• Humi, Mayer

Year

• 2004

Date created

• 2004-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mathematical Sciences

Rights statement

• In Copyright