Some algorithmic approaches to exact solutions in general relativity

This thesis explores the use of algorithms for constructing solutions to Einstein's field equations under the assumption of cylindrical symmetry. To support such an investigation various computer programs were developed using the algebraic computing systems SHEEP and STENSOR. The question of whether or not axially sysmmetric solutions to Einstein's equations map over to the cylindrical domain was systematically addressed, and many of the fascinating results found for such axially symmetric systems were shown to be relevant for cylindrical systems. The description of the field of an infinite cylindrical shell of matter was then attempted for static, stationary and non-stationary space-times. (D72192/87)