Post-Newtonian effect on the variation of time of periastron passage of binary stars in three gravitational theories

The equation for the variation of the time of a periastron passage of binary stars has been solved by using the perturbation approach. The post-Newtonian effect on the variation of the time of a periastron passage has been examined within three gravitational theories. The results clearly show that the periastron passage of a binary star occurs earlier (advances) at each revolution. This effect has been calculated and discussed for ten binary stars.     

Post-Newtonian approximations in scale covariant gravitation

The scale covariant theory of gravitation, outlined by Dirac (1973), later developed by Canutoet al. (1977), revisited by Maeder and Bouvier (1978, 1979), takes into account the possible relative changes in the system of units associated with different physical interactions; in this respect, it represents a generalization of the General Relativity Theory. In the line of the latter aforementioned papers, we study here the case of a weak gravitational field, well suited to the inner motions of a star or galaxy cluster, in order to see whether the post-Newtonian approximation scheme can consistently fit into the scale covariant formalism. Such a task turns out to be feasible when the gauge terms met in the field equations are handled in an appropriate way, but only if the gauge or metrical connection vector is inversely proportional to cosmic time, as it should be in consequence of the outer boundary condition imposed on the solution of the field equations describing the Newtonian and the first post-Newtonian approximation.     

On rotating isothermal configurations in the post-Newtonian approximation of general relativity

The equations which govern the structure of a rotating, truncated isothermal sphere in the post-Newtonian approximation of general relativity are derived and solved numerically. Each model is parameterized by both a rotation and a relativity parameter. The density inside the configurations is tabulated and graphed as a function of both distance from the center and co-latitude. Relativistic gravitational effects are found to pull the models into states which are considerably more centrally condensed than one predicts classically. Rotation tends to flatten the isothermal configurations into oblate spheroids, though for even the largest rotation parameters the degree of flattening is only a few percent. The computed models may be similar to the cores of relativistic star clusters.     

Nodal and periastron precession of inclined orbits in the field of a rapidly rotating neutron star

We derive a formula for the nodal precession frequency and the Keplerian period of a particle at an arbitrary orbital inclination (with a minimum latitudinal angle reached at the orbit) in the post-Newtonian approximation in the external field of an oblate rotating neutron star (NS). We also derive formulas for the nodal precession and periastron rotation frequencies of slightly inclined low-eccentricity orbits in the field of a rapidly rotating NS in the form of asymptotic expansions whose first terms are given by the Okazaki-Kato formulas. The NS gravitational field is described by the exact solution of the Einstein equation that includes the NS quadrupole moment induced by rapid rotation. Convenient asymptotic formulas are given for the metric coefficients of the corresponding space-time in the form of Kerr metric perturbations in Boyer-Lindquist coordinates.     

双星系中两子星的自转对双星轨道变化的后牛顿效应

本文利用解摄动方程的平均值法求得在PPN框架中二体自转对轨道要素产生的后牛顿效应的长期变化影响．利用这一理论对CWCep和DRVul两颗双星中两子星的自转对轨道近星点和平近点角的长期摄动的后牛顿效应做了计算。结果表明：对于两个质量较大快速自转的子星,由此所产生的后牛顿效应的摄动量是不能忽视的。     

On derivation of EIH (Einstein–Infeld–Hoffman) equations of motion from the linearized metric of general relativity theory

The half-century old idea of Infeld to use the variational principle of the general relativity field equations is reminded to show that the commonly employed EIH (Einstein–Infeld–Hoffman) equations of motion may be derived from the linearized (weak-field) metric alone. Based on it, the linearized metric might be sufficient for post-Newtonian celestial mechanics and astrometry enabling one to derive the post-Newtonian equations of motion and rotation of celestial bodies as well as the post-Newtonian equations of light propagation within the general relativity framework.     

Parameterized post-Newtonian orbital effects in extrasolar planets

Perturbative post-Newtonian variations of the standard osculating orbital elements are obtained by using the two-body equations of motion in the parameterized post-Newtonian theoretical framework. The results obtained are applied to the Einstein and Brans–Dicke theories. As a results, the semi-major axis and eccentricity exhibit periodic variation, but no secular changes. The longitude of periastron and mean longitude at epoch experience both secular and periodic shifts. The post-Newtonian effects are calculated and discussed for six extrasolar planets.     

On the energy integral for first post-Newtonian approximation

The post-Newtonian approximation for general relativity is widely adopted by the geodesy and astronomy communities. It has been successfully exploited for the inclusion of relativistic effects in practically all geodetic applications and techniques such as satellite/lunar laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry. Presently, the levels of accuracy required in geodetic techniques require that reference frames, planetary and satellite orbits and signal propagation be treated within the post-Newtonian regime. For arbitrary scalar W and vector gravitational potentials \(W^j (j=1,2,3)\), we present a novel derivation of the energy associated with a test particle in the post-Newtonian regime. The integral so obtained appears not to have been given previously in the literature and is deduced through algebraic manipulation on seeking a Jacobi-like integral associated with the standard post-Newtonian equations of motion. The new integral is independently verified through a variational formulation using the post-Newtonian metric components and is subsequently verified by numerical integration of the post-Newtonian equations of motion.     

Post-Newtonian satellite orbits

The first post-Newtonian approximation of general relativity is used to account for the motion of solar system bodies and near-Earth objects which are slow moving and produce weak gravitational fields. The \(n\)-body relativistic equations of motion are given by the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann equations. For \(n=2\), we investigate the associated dynamics of two-body systems in the first post-Newtonian approximation. By direct integration of the associated planar equations of motion, we deduce a new expression that characterises the orbit of test particles in the first post-Newtonian regime generalising the well-known Binet equation for Newtonian mechanics. The expression so obtained does not appear to have been given in the literature and is consistent with classical orbiting theory in the Newtonian limit. Further, the accuracy of the post-Newtonian Binet equation is numerically verified by comparing secular variations of known expression with the full general relativistic orbit equation.     

The Internal and External Metrics of a Rotating Ellipsoid Under Post-Newtonianian Approximation

Under the post-Newtonian approximation, the internal and external metrics of a rigidly rotating oblate spheroid filled by a uniform and incompressible perfect fluid are obtained. And the analytic solutions of post-Newtonian metric components are derived by using the series expansion in an ellipsoidal coordinate system. For this specific problem, there are only finite terms remaining in the series expansion, so the obtained results can be used to study particle motion under these metrics.     

The 2nd-order Post-Newtonian Orbit Equation of Light

Based on the 2nd-order post-Newtonian approximation under the DSX frame of the general relativity theory, the 2nd-order post-Newtonian orbital equation of light in the axis-symmetrical stationary spacetime is derived, and from this, the angle of deflection of light propagating in the equatorial plane is derived. The obtained results are consistent with those of the Schwarzchild and Kerr metrics within the limits of measuring precision.     

The generalized non-conservative model of a 1-planet system revisited

We study the long-term dynamics of a planetary system composed of a star and a planet. Both bodies are considered as extended, non-spherical, rotating objects. There are no assumptions made on the relative angles between the orbital angular momentum and the spin vectors of the bodies. Thus, we analyze full, spatial model of the planetary system. Both objects are assumed to be deformed due to their own rotations, as well as due to the mutual tidal interactions. The general relativity corrections are considered in terms of the post-Newtonian approximation. Besides the conservative contributions to the perturbing forces, there are also taken into account non-conservative effects, i.e., the dissipation of the mechanical energy. This dissipation is a result of the tidal perturbation on the velocity field in the internal zones with non-zero turbulent viscosity (convective zones). Our main goal is to derive the equations of the orbital motion as well as the equations governing time-evolution of the spin vectors (angular velocities). We derive the Lagrangian equations of the second kind for systems which do not conserve the mechanical energy. Next, the equations of motion are averaged out over all fast angles with respect to time-scales characteristic for conservative perturbations. The final equations of motion are then used to study the dynamics of the non-conservative model over time scales of the order of the age of the star. We analyze the final state of the system as a function of the initial conditions. Equilibria states of the averaged system are finally discussed.     

Post-Newtonian approximation of gravitation theory in flat space-time

The post-Newtonian approximation of the gravitational field of a perfect fluid for a previously stated theory of gravitation in flat space-time is studied. The conservation laws of energy-momentum and angular-momentum are derived and the equivalence of the conservation law of energy-momentum and the equations of motion is shown to the studied accuracy. The equations of motion are stated. All the results of the post-Newtonian approximation of the gravitation theory in flat space-time and of the general theory of relativity, as considered by Will in his famous book, agree to the studied accuracy.     

R-N场中雷达回波延迟实验的后后牛顿修正

从球对称引力场中光子在赤道面上的运动微分方程出发,采用后牛顿近似方法,讨论了Reissner-Nordstr(o|¨)m度规场中雷达回波延迟实验的后后牛顿修正.通过计算给出了后牛顿以及后后牛顿的修正结果,当荷电量Q为零时,该结果适用于电中性天体,其后牛顿部分的修正与经典文献一致.文中采用的近似展开方法同样适用于讨论更高阶的修正.雷达回波的高阶修正对目前展开的高精度空间引力试验有着重要的参考价值.     

Analytical solutions to the four post-Newtonian effects in a near-Earth satellite orbit

On the basis of the results by Huang et al. (1990), this paper further discusses and analyses the four post-Newtonian effects in a near-Earth satellite orbit: the Schwarzschild solution, the post-Newtonian effects of the geodesic precession, the Lense-Thirring precession and the oblateness of the Earth. A full analytical solution to the effects including their direct perturbations and mixed perturbations due to the Newtonian oblateness (J ₂) perturbation and the Schwarzschild solution is obtained using the quasi-mean orbital element method analogous to the Kozai's mean orbital element one. Some perturbation properties of the post-Newtonian effects are revealed. The results obtained not only can provide a sound scientific basis for the precise determination of a man-made satellite orbit but also is suitable for similar mechanics systems, such as the motions of planets, asteroids and natural satellites.     

An Addendum to the Damour and Deruelle's Solution of the Post-Newtonian Two-Body Problem

A complement to the the analytical solution given by Damour and Deruelle (D&D) in order to solve the differential equations that describe the conic-like and rectilinear post-Newtonian two-body problem is presented. We show the geometric relation between the eccentric and true anomalies for the elliptic-like and hyperbolic-like cases and expressions for their velocities are obtained. A post-Newtonian version of the Lambert's theorem is shown. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Astronomical relativistic reference systems with multipolar expansion: the global one

With the rapid development of techniques for astronomical observations,the precision of measurements has been significantly increasing. Theories describing astronomical relativistic reference systems, which are the foundation for processing and interpreting these data now and in the future, may require extensions to satisfy the needs of these trends. Besides building a framework compatible with alternative theories of gravity and the pursuit of higher order post-Newtonian approximation, it will also be necessary to make the first order post-Newtonian multipole moments of celestial bodies be explicitly expressed in the astronomical relativistic reference systems.This will bring some convenience into modeling the observations and experiments and make it easier to distinguish different contributions in measurements. As a first step,the global solar system reference system is expressed as a multipolar expansion and the post-Newtonian mass and spin moments are shown explicitly in the metric which describes the coordinates of the system. The full expression of the global metric is given.     

Stellar orbits in elliptical galaxies with relativistically active nuclei

In a model galaxy composed of a relativistically active nucleus, a main body, and a halo, all three components considered as homogeneous prolate ellipsoids, we explore the probable association of the internal characteristics of the nucleus and the observed orbits of the stars near the surface of the main body. Using the authors’ theoretical framework of post-Newtonian general relativistic galactic dynamics, proposed earlier, we prove that a fast-rotating and possibly expanding or contracting nucleus affects the distribution of the box-type orbits near the surface of the main body resulting in a flattening of the main body. The nuclear rotation always results in a flattening, and the contraction contributes less to the flattening than the expansion. However, the contributions of a rotating and changing nucleus are not additive. The study of the post-Newtonian effects in the nucleus on the stellar orbits in the main body, and the consequent modifications of the corresponding non-relativistic results, could in principle provide useful information concerning the kinematical and dynamical characteristics of the nuclei of the elliptical galaxies. The explanation (of at least the post-Newtonian part) of the flattening of elliptical galaxies attempted here seems to be the first theoretical one proposed in the literature.     

Equations of motion ofn massive-charged particles in general relativity theory

Starting with the Einstein-Maxwell field equations, we obtain the post-Newtonian equations of motion ofn massive-charged particles in general relativity.