On the algebraic classification of spacetimes

We analyze oriented Riemannian 4-manifolds whose Weyl tensors $W$ satisfy the conformally invariant condition $W(T,\cdot,\cdot,T) = 0$ for some nonzero vector $T$. While this can be algebraically classified via $W$'s normal form, we find a further geometric classification by deforming the metric into a Lorentzian one via $T$. We show that such a $W$ will have the analogue of Petrov Types from general relativity, that only Types I and D can occur, and that each is completely d...

Using extensions of the Newman-Penrose and Geroch-Held-Penrose formalisms to five dimensions, we invariantly classify all Petrov type $D$ vacuum solutions for which the Riemann tensor is isotropic in a plane orthogonal to a pair of Weyl alligned null directions

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.

Taking wedge products of the $p$ distinct principal null directions associated with the eigen-bivectors of the Weyl tensor associated with the Petrov classification, when linearly independent, one is able to express them in terms of the eigenvalues governing this decomposition. We study here algebraic and differential properties of such $p$-forms by completing previous geometrical results concerning type I spacetimes and extending that analysis to algebraically special spacet...

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.

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.

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 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...