Addressing a variety of theoretical cosmological problems, and
emphasizing a mathematical approach, this volume nicely complements
Peebles' Physical Cosmology (Princeton Series in Physics, 1971).
Ryan and Shepley have concentrated on the structure of models of the
universe. By using a modern terminology that emphasizes the operator
nature of vectors and tensors, as opposed to their components in a
particular coordinate system, the authors develop modern tensor analysis
to the point where it can be applied to general relativistic cosmology.
They then use it to describe homogeneous cosmologies in considerable
detail. Both students and researchers are likely to find these
techniques especially useful.
Among their subjects are: spaces with groups of motions; singularities;
Taub-NUT-Misner space; Bianchitype models; Hamiltonian cosmology; and
perturbations in anisotropic models. A brief section on observations is
also included, as is a complete bibliography. A final section presents
graded exercises that underscore the potential yet unrealized in this
area of study.
Originally published in 1975.
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