2
$\begingroup$

I am trying to get my head around a few concepts related to frame dragging and related physics. In regards to black holes that have no charge and all their mass is tied up in rotational kinetic energy then the ergosphere is a maximum size. By definition, as I see it defined, the outer boundary of the ergosphere is the point at which a photon becomes stationary with respect to outside observation if it is orbiting retrograde. The radius at the equator of this maximal case is $2GM$ making it twice the inner event horizon radius if I am understanding correctly. The innermost stable orbit for massive particles is at GM in a pro-grade direction. If any of this is incorrect please let me know.

So my questions are:

  1. Pretty much by definition it is impossible for a massive particle to go slower than the speed of light relative to outside observers if it is within the ergosphere - true? What is the limit of this speed relative to outside observers? I'm looking for the limit before it passes into the inner horizon.

  2. Since the frame dragging extends outward (presumably to infinity with extremely negligible effect) what would happen in the case where you had a ring of orbiting black holes equally spaced with spin aligned such that the axis of rotation was tangential to the circle? Without touching event horizons it would appear to be able to pull massive particles through the center of the circle in a straight line rather than a curved path as above - correct? And if the holes were close enough would that allow the ergospheres to merge (temporarily as I'd assume everything would merge eventually) would that allow faster than light travel for massive particles in a straight line? I'm neglecting that the orbits of the holes are unstable and would radiate gravitational waves and that they are massive enough so tidal forces are 'small' compared to the particle or mass of particles.

  3. If the holes above are arranged as stated would this extend the ergosphere inward toward the center if they are closely spaced at some distance? I've seen cases for general non-maximal spin cases of two holes and am unable to determine how this would play out.

Thanks for taking the time to read and if I put too much in a single question I apologize but didn't want to spam several closely related questions.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Pretty much by definition it is impossible for a massive particle to go slower than the speed of light relative to outside observers if it is within the ergosphere - true? No, GR doesn't have a well-defined notion of the speed of an object relative to a distant object. SR's prohibition on superluminal speeds is purely local. $\endgroup$
    – user4552
    Commented Sep 10, 2013 at 15:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

To make such "super-luminal" accelerator you do not need a black hole. The same effect will appear with any massive bodies, creating frame dragging: inside the circle the local metric will be moving, which would manifest itself in that the speed of light in one direction would be different from the other (similar to the superluminal expansion of the universe) or warp drive.

The easiest way to do so is creating a solenoid of circulating superfluid. Or even a chain of such solenoids.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the response. I'm interested in the specifics as listed above so I can better understand them. I'm also more interested in solutions that involve ordinary matter and not exotic forms that aren't as well established as say the existence of black holes. $\endgroup$
    – Burt
    Commented Jun 16, 2013 at 14:38

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.