Modified Einstein Hilbert Action and the Resulting Field Equations

Abstract

We begin by reviewing special and general relativity in such a way as to smoothly transition into current research. We present the variational formalism of general relativity as well as the extension into the palatini formalism. This allows us to develop a theory on a metric affine manifold rather than the standard manifold in general relativity. We present a generalized action intended to replace the Einstein Hilbert action in general relativity and derive some consequences thereof. The modified field equations are derived by varying this action using the Palatini approach. The corresponding differential equations are solved thereby establishing the equivalence between the modified action and the standard action with a cosmological constant. Furthermore the metric due to a spherically symmetric distribution of mass is found and applied in calculating the bending of light in the curved space. It is deduced that no difference between the modified action and the original Einstein Hilbert action is observed thereby implying that the experiment involving the bending of light around the sun in 1919 in no way distinguishes between our modification and the original approach by Einstein and Hilbert.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2007

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Efthimious, Costas

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Physics

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022121

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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