On the algebraic classification of spacetimes

I apply the algebraic classification of self-adjoint endomorphisms of ${\bf R}^{2,2}$ provided by their Jordan canonical form to the Ricci curvature tensor of four-dimensional neutral manifolds and relate this classification to an algebraic classification of the Ricci curvature spinor. These results parallel similar results well known in four-dimensional Lorentzian geometry. The classification is summarized in Table 2 at the end of the paper.

In an effort to invariantly characterize the conformal curvature structure of analogue spacetimes built from a nonrelativistic fluid background, we determine the Petrov type of a variety of laboratory geometries. Starting from the simplest examples, we increase the complexity of the background, and thereby determine how the laboratory fluid symmetry affects the corresponding Petrov type in the analogue spacetime realm of the sound waves. We find that for more complex flows is...

We develop an algebraic procedure to rotate a general Newman-Penrose tetrad in a Petrov type I spacetime into a frame with Weyl scalars $\Psi_{1}$ and $\Psi_{3}$ equal to zero, assuming that initially all the Weyl scalars are non vanishing. The new frame highlights the physical properties of the spacetime. In particular, in a Petrov Type I spacetime, setting $\Psi_{1}$ and $\Psi_{3}$ to zero makes apparent the superposition of a Coulomb-type effect $\Psi_{2}$ with transverse ...

We classify all five-dimensional Einstein manifolds that are static, have an SO(3) isometry group and have Petrov type 22. We use this classification to show that the localized black hole in the Randall-Sundrum scenario necessarily has Petrov type 4.

Universal spacetimes are exact solutions to all higher-order theories of gravity. We study these spacetimes in four dimensions and provide necessary and sufficient conditions for universality for all Petrov types except of type II. We show that all universal spacetimes in four dimensions are algebraically special and Kundt. Petrov type D universal spacetimes are necessarily direct products of two 2-spaces of constant and equal curvature. Furthermore, type II universal spaceti...

We survey some aspects of the current state of research on Einstein metrics on compact 4-manifolds. A number of open problems are presented and discussed.

We consider a general class of four-dimensional geometries admitting a null vector field that has no twist and no shear but has an arbitrary expansion. We explicitly present the Petrov classification of such Robinson-Trautman (and Kundt) gravitational fields, based on the algebraic properties of the Weyl tensor. In particular, we determine all algebraically special subcases when the optically privileged null vector field is a multiple principal null direction (PND), as well a...

In this paper we present a number of four-dimensional neutral signature exact solutions for which all of the polynomial scalar curvature invariants vanish (VSI spaces) or are all constant (CSI spaces), which are of relevence in current theoretical physics.

This paper explores the Petrov type D, stationary axisymmetric vacuum (SAV) spacetimes that were found by Carter to have separable Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and thus admit a second-order Killing tensor. The derivation of the spacetimes presented in this paper borrows from ideas about dynamical systems, and illustrates concepts that can be generalized to higher- order Killing tensors. The relationship between the components of the Killing equations and metric functions are gi...

We point out that the Myers-Perry metric in five dimensions is algebraically special. It has Petrov type \underline{22}, which is the Petrov type of the five-dimensional Schwarzschild metric.