The study of Godel metric and spacetime curvature

Thesis (M.S.) California State University, Los Angeles, 2012Committee members: Milan Mijic, Radi Jishi, Edward H Rezayi, Susan TerebeyThe Godel metric is a particular solution of Einstein's field equations for homogeneous, rotating matter distribution and negative cosmological constant. It was first introduced by Kurt Godel in 1949. Besides universal rotation of matter, it turned out that the Godel solution also possesses closed time-like trajectories.This property attracted a great deal of attention and a number of philosophical speculations. We will examine Godel solution in detail, with ultimate goal to understand the nature of closed time like trajectories and to pinpoint those aspects of the metric or stress tensor that lead to their existence