Discrete geometric structures in General...

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Discrete geometric structures in General Relativity

Jörg Frauendiener

Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of Otago

andCentre of Mathematics for Applications

University of Oslo

Jena, August 26, 2010

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 1 / 30

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 2 / 30

Motivation

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 3 / 30

Motivation

Motivation

GR is a geometric theoryinvariance under arbitrary diffeomorphisms

any two points can be interchanged be a diffeomorphismindividual points do not have any meaning

Only relations between several points can carry information

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 4 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

„Distance“ between points

A

B

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 5 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Parallel transport from A to B along a curve

A

B

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 6 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Parallel transport from A to B along a curve

A

B

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 6 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Parallel transport from A to B along a curve

A

B

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 6 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Parallel transport from A to B along a curve

A

B

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 6 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationGeometry from relations between points

Holonomy around a closed path

A

=⇒ Gauss curvature of a surface

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 7 / 30

Motivation

MotivationConsequence

Objects should not be localised entirely on points

cp. Finite Difference Methods:all tensor components are represented as grid functions

type of object is relevant for localisation on line, surface, volume

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 8 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 9 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismElectric field

1-form: electric field

E = Ex dx + Ey dy + Ez dz

line (1-dim)

A

B

L

E :A

B

L −→∫L

E =: W

Work done on unit charge along L(voltage between A and B)

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 10 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismElectric field

1-form: electric field

E = Ex dx + Ey dy + Ez dz

line (1-dim)

A

B

L

E :A

B

L −→∫L

E =: W

Work done on unit charge along L(voltage between A and B)

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 10 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismElectric field

1-form: electric field

E = Ex dx + Ey dy + Ez dz

line (1-dim)

A

B

L

E :A

B

L −→∫L

E =: W

Work done on unit charge along L(voltage between A and B)

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 10 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismMagnetic induction

2-form: magnetic induction

B = Bxy dxdy + Byz dydz + Bzx dzdx

surface (2-dim)

B : −→∫

AB =: Φ

Magnetic flux through loop C = ∂A

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 11 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismMagnetic induction

2-form: magnetic induction

B = Bxy dxdy + Byz dydz + Bzx dzdx

surface (2-dim)

B : −→∫

AB =: Φ

Magnetic flux through loop C = ∂A

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 11 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismMagnetic induction

2-form: magnetic induction

B = Bxy dxdy + Byz dydz + Bzx dzdx

surface (2-dim)

B : −→∫

AB =: Φ

Magnetic flux through loop C = ∂A

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 11 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

ElectromagnetismMaxwell’s equation

B = rot E

D = −rot H

⇐⇒

ddt

∫A

B =∫

∂AE

ddt

∫A

D = −∫

∂AH

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 12 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt

∫Ω

B =∫

∂ΩE

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B , e3 =

∫ 2

1E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B , e3 =

∫ 2

1E , e1 =

∫ 3

2E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B , e3 =

∫ 2

1E , e1 =

∫ 3

2E , e2 =

∫ 1

3E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B , e3 =

∫ 2

1E , e1 =

∫ 3

2E , e2 =

∫ 1

3E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Example: Electromagnetism

Discretisations of Ampere’s lawB = rot E

Ωddt ∑

i

∫∆i

B = ∑i

∫∂∆i

E

1 2

3

b =∫

∆B , e3 =

∫ 2

1E , e1 =

∫ 3

2E , e2 =

∫ 1

3E

b = e1 + e2 + e3

very clear cut, elegant and efficient

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 13 / 30

Discrete differential forms

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 14 / 30

Discrete differential forms

Discrete differential formscontinuous

p-dimensional submanifold Sp:(0) point, (1) curve, (2) surface

p-form:

ω : Sp 7→∫

Sp

ω ∈ R

exterior derivative d:∫Sp

dω =∫

∂Sp

ω

Stokes’ theorem

discrete

p-simplices Sp:(0) node, (1) edge, (2) face

discrete p-form:

ω : Sp 7→ ω[Sp] ∈ R

Definition:

dω[Sp] = ω[∂Sp]

Example: 1

3

2

dω123 = ω12 + ω23 + ω31J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 15 / 30

Discrete differential forms

Discrete differential forms

continuous

Grassmann (wedge) product:

(pα,

qβ) 7→

p+qα ∧ β,

graded algebra

α ∧ β = (−1)pq β ∧ α,

derivation:

d(α ∧ β) = dα ∧ β + (−1)pα ∧ dβ.

deRham cohomology

discrete

discrete Grassmann product:

(pα,

qβ) 7→

p+qα ∧ β

Example:

1

3

2(1α ∧

1β)123 =12 [α12β13 + α23β21 + α31β32

− β12α13 − β23α21 − β31α32]

discrete d is derivation

singular cohomology

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 16 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 17 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealBasic variables

tetrad

(θ0, θ1, θ2, θ3)

connection

ωik = −ωk

i

e

l[e]2 = ηikθi[e]θk[e]

e

exp(ω): holonomy along e

related by no-torsion condition

dθi + ωik ∧ θk = 0

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 18 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealBasic variables

tetrad

θi

connection

ωik

e

l[e]2 = ηikθi[e]θk[e]

e

exp(ω): holonomy along e

related by no-torsion condition

dθi + ωik ∧ θk = 0

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 18 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealBasic variables

tetrad

θi

connection

ωik

e

l[e]2 = ηikθi[e]θk[e]

e

exp(ω): holonomy along e

related by no-torsion condition

dθi + ωik ∧ θk = 0

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 18 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealEinstein’s equation

To formulate the Einstein’s equation one defines

2-forms: Li =12

εijklηknωj

n ∧ θl

3-forms: Si =12

εijkl

(ωjk ∧ωl

m ∧ θm −ωjm ∧ωmk ∧ θl

)vacuum equations

dLi = Si

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 19 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealEinstein’s equation

To formulate the Einstein’s equation one defines

2-forms: Li =12

εijklωjk ∧ θl

3-forms: Si =12

εijkl

(ωjk ∧ωl

m ∧ θm −ωjm ∧ωmk ∧ θl

)vacuum equations

dLi = Si

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 19 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

IntermezzoThe moment of rotation

curvature 2-form:Ωi

k = Riklmθl ∧ θm

Warner Miller: moment of rotation

Ω[jk ∧ θl] ∼ εijklΩjk ∧ θl ∝ Gab

Identity:

dLi = Si +12

εijklΩjk ∧ θl︸ ︷︷ ︸

=:Ti

Linearisation of Ti on Minkowski space:4-dim analogue of Snorre’s curl T curl operator

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 20 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

IntermezzoThe moment of rotation

curvature 2-form:Ωi

k = Riklmθl ∧ θm

Warner Miller: moment of rotation

Ω[jk ∧ θl] ∼ εijklΩjk ∧ θl ∝ Gab

Identity:

dLi = Si +12

εijklΩjk ∧ θl︸ ︷︷ ︸

=:Ti

Linearisation of Ti on Minkowski space:4-dim analogue of Snorre’s curl T curl operator

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 20 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

IntermezzoThe moment of rotation

curvature 2-form:Ωi

k = Riklmθl ∧ θm

Warner Miller: moment of rotation

Ω[jk ∧ θl] ∼ εijklΩjk ∧ θl ∝ Gab

Identity:

dLi = Si +12

εijklΩjk ∧ θl︸ ︷︷ ︸

=:Ti

Linearisation of Ti on Minkowski space:4-dim analogue of Snorre’s curl T curl operator

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 20 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

IntermezzoThe moment of rotation

curvature 2-form:Ωi

k = Riklmθl ∧ θm

Warner Miller: moment of rotation

Ω[jk ∧ θl] ∼ εijklΩjk ∧ θl ∝ Gab

Identity:

dLi = Si +12

εijklΩjk ∧ θl︸ ︷︷ ︸

=:Ti

Linearisation of Ti on Minkowski space:4-dim analogue of Snorre’s curl T curl operator

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 20 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealProperties

This formulation has close relations toenergy balance

Einstein: energy-momentum pseudotensor SiMøller: energy-balance in tetrad form

Bondi-Sachs mass loss formula

focussing of light rays due to gravity

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 21 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealProperties

The variables θi and ωik are subject to gauge freedom:

θi 7→ sik(x)θk

ωik 7→ sl

i(x)ωlmsm

k(x) + smi(x)dsm

k

for arbitrary function with values on O(1, 3), local Lorentz invariance.

trade-in of diffeomorphism freedom for local Lorentz invariance

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 22 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealProperties

The variables θi and ωik are subject to gauge freedom:

θi 7→ sik(x)θk

ωik 7→ sl

i(x)ωlmsm

k(x) + smi(x)dsm

k

for arbitrary function with values on O(1, 3), local Lorentz invariance.

trade-in of diffeomorphism freedom for local Lorentz invariance

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 22 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealLocal structure in a normal neighbourhood

Fix a normal coordinate system (xi) around a point O

θi =(

δil + βi

lmxm + (βilpq −

12

ηjnβjipβn

lq)xpxq︸ ︷︷ ︸∼exp(β(x))

)dxl − 1

6Ri

plqxpxqdxl +O(x3)

ωik =

12

Rikpqxpdxq +O(x2)

Li =14

εijklRjkpqxpdxqdxl +O(x2)

Si = O(x2)

dLi = Si = O(x2)

To second order Li are the conserved fluxes of relativistic energy-momentum

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 23 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealLocal structure in a normal neighbourhood

Fix a normal coordinate system (xi) around a point O

θi = dxi − 16

Riplqxpxqdxl +O(x3)

ωik =

12

Rikpqxpdxq +O(x2)

Li =14

εijklRjkpqxpdxqdxl +O(x2)

Si = O(x2)

dLi = Si = O(x2)

To second order Li are the conserved fluxes of relativistic energy-momentum

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 23 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealLocal structure in a normal neighbourhood

Fix a normal coordinate system (xi) around a point O

θi = dxi − 16

Riplqxpxqdxl +O(x3)

ωik =

12

Rikpqxpdxq +O(x2)

Li =14

εijklRjkpqxpdxqdxl +O(x2)

Si = O(x2)

dLi = Si = O(x2)

To second order Li are the conserved fluxes of relativistic energy-momentum

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 23 / 30

GR as a differential ideal

GR as a differential idealLocal structure in a normal neighbourhood

Fix a normal coordinate system (xi) around a point O

θi = dxi − 16

Riplqxpxqdxl +O(x3)

ωik =

12

Rikpqxpdxq +O(x2)

Li =14

εijklRjkpqxpdxqdxl +O(x2)

Si = O(x2)

dLi = Si = O(x2)

To second order Li are the conserved fluxes of relativistic energy-momentum

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 23 / 30

Implementation

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 24 / 30

Implementation

Implementationwith R. Richter, et al

Theoretical formulationGeometric discretisation by local domains of dependence(light-like coordinates)non-linear algebraic system of equationssolved by Newton’s methodfound order of convergence

Application to simple (1 + 1) systems of GR

spherically symmetric space-times:Minkowski, Schwarzschild, Kruskalplane wavesGowdy

verification of the order of convergence

reproduction of exact solutions

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 25 / 30

Implementation

Implementationwith R. Richter, et al

Theoretical formulationGeometric discretisation by local domains of dependence(light-like coordinates)non-linear algebraic system of equationssolved by Newton’s methodfound order of convergence

Application to simple (1 + 1) systems of GRspherically symmetric space-times:Minkowski, Schwarzschild, Kruskalplane wavesGowdy

verification of the order of convergence

reproduction of exact solutions

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 25 / 30

Implementation

Implementationwith R. Richter, et al

Theoretical formulationGeometric discretisation by local domains of dependence(light-like coordinates)non-linear algebraic system of equationssolved by Newton’s methodfound order of convergence

Application to simple (1 + 1) systems of GRspherically symmetric space-times:Minkowski, Schwarzschild, Kruskalplane wavesGowdy

verification of the order of convergence

reproduction of exact solutions

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 25 / 30

Implementation

Implementationwith R. Richter, et al

Theoretical formulationGeometric discretisation by local domains of dependence(light-like coordinates)non-linear algebraic system of equationssolved by Newton’s methodfound order of convergence

Application to simple (1 + 1) systems of GRspherically symmetric space-times:Minkowski, Schwarzschild, Kruskalplane wavesGowdy

verification of the order of convergence

reproduction of exact solutions

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 25 / 30

Implementation

ImplementationInsights

coordinate-free treatment of Einsteins equations

purely geometric discretisation

convergent method

Questions and problems:

no complete understanding of the algebraic structure of the equations

no adapted solution algorithm

discrete form algebra is not associative: affects non-linearitiesbut: associator vanishes to higher order(known to topologists in the ’70s)

no understanding of the gauge freedom in the discrete setting

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 26 / 30

Implementation

ImplementationInsights

coordinate-free treatment of Einsteins equations

purely geometric discretisation

convergent method

Questions and problems:

no complete understanding of the algebraic structure of the equations

no adapted solution algorithm

discrete form algebra is not associative: affects non-linearitiesbut: associator vanishes to higher order(known to topologists in the ’70s)

no understanding of the gauge freedom in the discrete setting

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 26 / 30

Implementation

ImplementationInsights

coordinate-free treatment of Einsteins equations

purely geometric discretisation

convergent method

Questions and problems:

no complete understanding of the algebraic structure of the equations

no adapted solution algorithm

discrete form algebra is not associative: affects non-linearitiesbut: associator vanishes to higher order(known to topologists in the ’70s)

no understanding of the gauge freedom in the discrete setting

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 26 / 30

Implementation

ImplementationInsights

coordinate-free treatment of Einsteins equations

purely geometric discretisation

convergent method

Questions and problems:

no complete understanding of the algebraic structure of the equations

no adapted solution algorithm

discrete form algebra is not associative: affects non-linearitiesbut: associator vanishes to higher order(known to topologists in the ’70s)

no understanding of the gauge freedom in the discrete setting

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 26 / 30

Implementation

ImplementationInsights

coordinate-free treatment of Einsteins equations

purely geometric discretisation

convergent method

Questions and problems:

no complete understanding of the algebraic structure of the equations

no adapted solution algorithm

discrete form algebra is not associative: affects non-linearitiesbut: associator vanishes to higher order(known to topologists in the ’70s)

no understanding of the gauge freedom in the discrete setting

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 26 / 30

Outlook

Outline

1 Motivation

2 Example: Electromagnetism

3 Discrete differential forms

4 GR as a differential ideal

5 Implementation

6 Outlook

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 27 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

General idea:

put together small pieces of 4-d space-timei.e., where the discrete equations hold

glue together across hypersurfaces Σ by gauge transformations

natural junction conditions (Israel 1966)∫S

Li − Li = 0 for all 2-dim submanifolds of Σ

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 28 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

General idea:

put together small pieces of 4-d space-timei.e., where the discrete equations hold

glue together across hypersurfaces Σ by gauge transformations

natural junction conditions (Israel 1966)∫S

Li − Li = 0 for all 2-dim submanifolds of Σ

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 28 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

General idea:

put together small pieces of 4-d space-timei.e., where the discrete equations hold

glue together across hypersurfaces Σ by gauge transformations

natural junction conditions (Israel 1966)∫S

Li − Li = 0 for all 2-dim submanifolds of Σ

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 28 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

Outlook

However:

not been able to convert this idea into a decent algorithm

again problem with the gauge transformation

Way out (?):

find a formulation of GR entirely in terms of scalarsHow unique is Regge calculus?

discrete form ωik is a hybrid creature

use the holonomies directly, edge map into the Lorentz group

many (yet unknown) problems to solve

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 29 / 30

Outlook

THANK YOU

J. Frauendiener (University of Otago) Discrete geometry Jena, August 26, 2010 30 / 30