Tidal dynamics in Kerr spacetime
Abstract
The motion of free nearby test particles relative to a stable equatorial circular
geodesic orbit about a Kerr source is investigated. It is shown that the nonlinear
generalized Jacobi equation can be transformed in this case to an autonomous
form. Tidal dynamics beyond the critical speed c/√2 is studied. We show, in particular, that a free test particle vertically launched from the circular orbit
parallel or antiparallel to the Kerr rotation axis is tidally accelerated if its
initial relative speed exceeds c/√2. Possible applications of our results to
high-energy astrophysics are briefly mentioned.
Part of
Citation
C Chicone and B Mashhoon 2006 Class. Quantum Grav. 23 4021
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OpenAccess.
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