Selected applications of general relativity in astrophysics

Lecture course held at the AIfA, University of Bonn, winter semester 2009/10.

O. Wucknitz [1]

  1. AIfA, Bonn, Germany

Abstract

This lecture gives an introduction into the fundamentals of general relativity. Based on that we will discuss some of the aspects of GR that are relevant for astrophysics. This includes black holes and gravitational waves. Cosmology is the subject of other lectures and will not be covered in detail. The main goal of this lecture is a good understanding of the concepts and their consequences. Formal mathematics will be emphasised less, but used as a tool.

This lecture takes place Wednesdays 10:15-11:45 in room 0.05 at the Argelander-Institut für Astronomie.

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The following table gives an overview over the parts that have been discussed in the sessions.

presentation lecture notes
session slides pages sections additional material
14 Oct 2009 1 - 20 1 - 9 1 - 6.3
21 Oct 2009 21 - 28 9 - 16 6.3 - 7.3
28 Oct 2009 29 16 - 21 6.3 - 7.9
04 Nov 2009 30 - 32 21 - 25 7.9 - 8.1
11 Nov 2009 cancelled
18 Nov 2009 32 - 35 25 - 29 8.1 - 8.3
25 Nov 2009 36 - 38 29 - 34 8.4 - 10.2
02 Dec 2009 dies academicus
09 Dec 2009 39 - 45 34 - 38 10.3 - 12.1
16 Dec 2009 45 - 50 38 - 41 12.2
23 Dec 2009 50 - 59 41 - 48 12.2 - 12.5
30 Dec 2009 holidays
06 Jan 2010 holidays
13 Jan 2010 60 - 65 48 - 57 12.6 - 12.9
20 Jan 2010 57 - 64 13 - 13.3
27 Jan 2010 66 - 68 64 - 72 13.3 - 13.5 movie 1 and movie 2 (see below)
03 Feb 2010 69 - 89 72 - 84 13.5 - 14.3

Most of the lecture is given using the blackboard. The presentation available through the links below only covers selected parts.
The lecture notes may be updated during the semester. They cover the material of the lecture completely.




download lecture notes
PDF file (1.6 MB, last change 2 Feb 2010)
This version includes sections 1 - 14.5. Total 92 pages.
Paper copies will be provided to those interested.

download original presentation slides
PDF file (2.5 MB, last change 2 Feb 2010)
101 pages, suitable for presentation with acroread. This version also includes some hyperlinks for quick navigation.

download printable version of presentation (small)
PDF file (1.6 MB, last change 2 Feb 2010)
Paper saving version. 12 pages, text in b/w, colour figures. 8 slides per A4 page.

download movie 1: polarisation of gravitational waves
GIF file (355.2 kB, last change 9 Jan 2009)
MPEG4 movie (803.8 kB, last change 9 Jan 2009)

download movie 2: gravitational waves for orbiting double-star
GIF file (567.8 kB, last change 13 Jan 2009)
MPEG4 movie (1.4 MB, last change 13 Jan 2009)

download movie 3: artificial black hole, comedian's impression
QuickTime movie (5.1 MB, last change 1 Jul 2005)
Taken from http://www.misunderstooduniverse.com/France_Builds_Doomsday_Machine.htm.



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Script last modified on 16 Sep 2010
Last change to this data base entry on 3 Feb 2010