Take the <i>A</i>-Metric: Interpretations of Some Known Solutions of Einstein’s Vacuum Field Equations

Abstract

In this work, we present a new interpretation of the only static vacuum solution of Einstein’s field equations with planar symmetry, the Taub solution. This solution is a member of the AIII class of metrics, along with the type D Kasner solution. Various interpretations of these solutions have been put forward previously in the literature, however, some of these interpretations have suspect features and are not generally considered physical. Using a simple mathematical analysis, we show that a novel interpretation of the Taub solution is possible and that it naturally emerges from the radial, near-singularity limit of negative-mass Schwarzschild spacetime. A new, more transparent derivation is also given, showing that the type D Kasner metric can be interpreted as a region of spacetime deep within a positive-mass Schwarzschild black hole. The dual nature of this class of A-metrics is thereby demonstrated.

Keywords

• general relativity
• Einstein’s vacuum field equations
• Schwarzschild metric
• negative mass
• Kasner solution
• Taub solution