The behaviour of geodesics in constant-curvature spacetimes with expanding impulsive gravitational waves

Abstract

Motion of free test particles in spacetimes of constant curvature with an expanding impulsive gravitational wave is completely described. Explicit formulae which identify the particle positions and velocities in front of and behind the impulse are derived for a general impulse of this type.

As a particular example, the effect of spherical impulsive wave generated by a snapped cosmic string is analyzed and visualized.

Keywords

• general relativity
• geodesics
• constant-curvature spacetimes
• gravitational waves