Some remarks on wave solutions in general relativity theory

Abstract

Abstract This paper reviews the concept of pp-waves and plane waves in classical general relativity theory. The first four sections give discussions of some algebraic constructions and symmetry concepts which will be needed in what is to follow. The final sections deal with the definitions of such wave solutions, their associated geometrical tensors in space–time and their Killing, homothetic, conformal and wave surface symmetries. Some unusual geometrical features of these solutions (compared with standard positive definite geometry) are described.

Keywords

• 83C20
• 83C35