Tidal dynamics of relativistic flows near black holes

We point out novel consequences of general relativity involving tidal dynamics of ultrarelativistic relative motion. Specifically, we use the generalized Jacobi equation and its extension to study the force‐free dynamics of relativistic flows near a massive rotating source. We show that along the ro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annalen der Physik 2005-05, Vol.14 (5), p.290-308
Main Authors: Chicone, C., Mashhoon, B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
general relativity
tidal acceleration
tidal deceleration
ultrarelativistic particles
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Summary:We point out novel consequences of general relativity involving tidal dynamics of ultrarelativistic relative motion. Specifically, we use the generalized Jacobi equation and its extension to study the force‐free dynamics of relativistic flows near a massive rotating source. We show that along the rotation axis of the gravitational source, relativistic tidal effects strongly decelerate an initially ultrarelativistic flow with respect to the ambient medium, contrary to Newtonian expectations. Moreover, an initially ultrarelativistic flow perpendicular to the axis of rotation is strongly accelerated by the relativistic tidal forces. The astrophysical implications of these results for jets and ultrahigh energy cosmic rays are briefly mentioned.
ISSN:0003-3804
1521-3889
DOI:10.1002/andp.200410126