Abstract:
The standard Thirring problem in general relativity describes the nonlocal
influence of rotating masses on local inertial systems and the motions of free
particles. These are dragged by the mass currents in the direction of rotation.
Such phenomena fulfil Machian expectations on the relativity of rotation.
According to these expectations, only the relative accelerations of the bodies
with respect to the distant cosmic masses, the fixed stars, are the decisive ones.
In this work it is investigated, how dragging effects in Einstein's
gravitational theory can be the cause of gravitationally induced electromagnetic
fields (so called electromagnetic Thirring problems). As model systems one
considers systems of (slowly) rotating charged mass shells. Mathematically the
whole problem amounts to a rotational dipole perturbation of the
Reissner-Nordström solution of the Einstein-Maxwell equations. For such matter
configurations (anti)dragging effects, magnetic fields, magnetic moment, angular
momentum and the gyromagnetic ratio are calculated, and their dependence on the
energy conditions of the matter are investigated. The induced magnetic dipolar
fields are interpretated in a Machian way and the influence of interaction
effects between strong gravitational and electromagnetic fields on the inertial
structure of space-time is determined.