Relativistic Figures of Equilibrium

This book treats the classical problem of gravitational physics within Einstein's theory of general relativity. It presents basic principles and equations needed to describe rotating fluid bodies, as well as black holes in equilibrium. It then goes on to deal with a number of analytically tractable limiting cases, placing particular emphasis on the rigidly rotating disc of dust. The book concludes by considering the general case using powerful numerical methods that are applied to various models, including the classical example of equilibrium figures of constant density. Researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics, and astrophysics will find this a valuable reference book on the topic. A related website containing codes for calculating various figures of equilibrium is available at www.cambridge.org/9781107407350.

Review of the hardback: '… this book is a very valuable tool for anybody wishing to learn more about relativistic rotating bodies in equilibrium. … overall it is an excellent reference on this topic.' Classical and Quantum Gravity, Review of the hardback: 'This is an advanced and specialised book, presenting the state of the art in this field, with emphasis on the authors' own expertise and approaches. It contains an extensive discussion of the analytical handling of limiting cases on the one hand and the numerical treatment of the general case on the other, thus providing a complete picture of the subject. … pleasant to read …This book is a standard reference for this subject every researcher in relativity theory should know.' General Relativity and Gravitation, Review of the hardback: 'Nicely produced by Cambridge University Press, this rather specialized book rich in analytical and numerical methods is of value to students and professional researchers in general relativity, mathematical physics and astrophysics.' Mathematical Reviews

Reinhard Meinel is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat, Jena, Germany. His research is in the field of gravitational theory, focusing on astrophysical applications. Marcus Ansorg is a Researcher at the Max-Planck-Institut fur Gravitationsphysik, Potsdam, Germany, where his research focuses on the application of spectral methods for producing highly accurate solutions to Einstein's field equations. Andreas Kleinwachter is a Researcher at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat. His current research is on analytical and numerical methods for solving the axisymmetric and stationary equations of general relativity. Gernot Neugebauer is a Professor Emeritus at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat. His research deals with Einstein's theory of gravitation, soliton theory, and thermodynamics. David Petroff is a Researcher at the Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat. His research is on stationary black holes and neutron stars, making use of analytical approximations and numerical methods.