International Journal of Applied Mathematics

& Statistical Sciences (IJAMSS)

ISSN (P): 2319-3972; ISSN (E): 2319-3980
Vol. 9, Issue 4, Jun–Jul 2020; 1–12
© IASET

STATIC CYLINDRICALLY SYMMETRIC SOLUTIONS OF EINSTEIN’S EQUATIONS

M. A. Kauser1 & Q. Islam2

1
Research Scholar, Department of Mathematics, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh
2
Research Scholar, Jamal Nazrul Islam Research Center for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of
Chittagong, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

In recent years, a number of solution generating techniques for spherically symmetric perfect fluid solutions of Einstein’s
equations have been invented. Besides, solutions with cylinderical symmetry are much less studied because of the
complexity of calculations involving the equations for cylinderically spacetime. For our kith interest in the cylindrically
symmetric static perfect fluid solutions of Einstein’s equations, we have provided an algorithm and find a new realistic
solution.

KEYWORDS: Spherical Symmetry, Cylinderical Symmetry, Tangential Gauge, Arc-length Gauge, Metric Function, Axis
of Symmetry, Minkowski Space

Article History
Received: 04 Jun 2020 | Revised: 22 Jun 2020 | Accepted: 25 Jun 2020

1. INTRODUCTION

Spherically symmetric solutions of Einstein’s equations have attracted the interests of researchers working in this field.
This is because phenomena such as black-holes, neutron stars etc. have been found in the class of solutions [1-8] with
spherical symmetry. As a result many such solutions have been discovered. In contrast, solutions with cylindrical
symmetry are much less studied. Whereas in the case of spherical symmetry, one is to solve for two unknown metric
functions in the case of cylindrical symmetry, other is to solve for three unknown metric functions. According to
Birkhoff’s theorem, exterior solution of any spherically symmetric source is uniquely determined by the Schwarzschild
solution. On the other hand, there is no Birkoff’s theorem for space-times with cylindrical symmetry. There exist infinitely
many exterior solutions for space-times with cylindrical symmetry. Any cylindrically symmetric interior solution must be
joined with any one of those exterior solutions at the boundary of the cylindrically symmetric source. The general form of
the spherically symmetric space-time metric in spherical coordinates is unique. In contrast, general form of the
cylindrically symmetric space-time metric is not unique so that the same solution may look different for different
definitions of the radial coordinate in a cylindrical coordinate system.

The rest of this paper is organized in the following way. In Section-2, we write down the general form of the static
cylindrically symmetric space-time metric in the tangential gauge and derive all vacuum solutions. In Section-3, we write
down the form of the metric in the arc-length gauge and derive some perfect fluid solutions for specific choices of one of
the three metric functions. This is mainly a review. In Section-4, we have derived the field equations in the tangential

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2 M. A. Kauser & Q. Islam

gauge. Main result of this chapter is provided in Section-5. Here, we have shown that the field equations can be reduced to
a pair of simultaneous Riccati type differential equations whose general solution depends on the specification of a
particular solution f(r). It is also shown that, a class of physically acceptable solutions can be generated if f(r) satisfies the
condition f (0) = 0. An algorithm is provided for generating all such solutions. In Section-6, the algorithm is illustrated by
generating a new realistic solution. Finally in Section-7, some concluding remarks are given.

2. STATIC CYLINDRICALLY SYMMETRIC VACUUM SOLUTIONS

The general static cylindrically symmetric space-time metric can be written as

ds 2 = −e 2ϕ ( r ) dt 2 + e 2 Λ ( r ) dr 2 + e 2Ω ( r ) dθ 2 + e 2ψ ( r ) dz 2 (1)

Here z denotes the coordinate along the central axis of symmetry, r denotes the radial coordinate which has value

zero on the axis of symmetry and which increases as one moves away from the axis of symmetry, θ denotes the
coordinate which measures an angle around the axis of symmetry.

r ′ such that (r ′) = e
2 2Ω ( r )
Let us choose the gauge by defining the new radial coordinate . Then the metric (1)
reduces to

ds 2 = −e 2ϕ ( r ) dt 2 + e 2 Λ ( r ) dr 2 + r 2 dθ 2 + e 2ψ ( r ) dz 2 (2)

Where the prime on r has been omitted. The form in which metric (2) is written is called tangential gauge. There
are many different conventions for defining the radial coordinate. For example, the radial coordinate can be defined in such
a way that metric (1) takes the form

ds 2 = −e2ϕ ( r ) dt 2 + dr 2 + e2Ω ( r ) dθ 2 + e2ψ ( r ) dz 2 (3)

The form in which metric (3) is written is called arc-length gauge.

Rαβ = 0
We are interested to find vacuum solutions. In this case, Einstein’s equations reduce to . We find it
Rαβ
convenient to work in the tangential gauge in which the metric has the form (2). Nonzero components of for the
metric (2) are given by [9],

 ϕ′ 
R00 = e 2(ϕ − Λ ) ϕ ′′ + (ϕ ′) 2 − ϕ ′Λ′ + + Ψ′ϕ ′
 r  (4)

Λ′
Rrr = −ϕ ′′ − (ϕ ′) 2 + ϕ ′Λ′ + − Ψ′′ − (Ψ′) 2 + Λ′Ψ′
r (5)

Rθθ = e −2 Λ r (Λ ′ − ϕ ′ − Ψ ′)
(6)

 Ψ′ 
Rzz = −e 2 ( Ψ − Λ ) Ψ′′ + (Ψ′) 2 − Ψ′Λ′ + Ψ′ϕ ′ + 
 r  (7)

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Static Cylindrically Symmetric Solutions of Einstein’s Equations 3

Rαβ = 0
Where primes denote differentiations with respect to r. Einstein’s vacuum field equations then provide
the following system of equations,

Λ′ = ϕ ′ + Ψ ′ (8)

ϕ′
ϕ ′′ + =0
r (9)

Ψ′
Ψ ′′ + =0
r (10)

ϕ′ Ψ′
ϕ ′ Ψ′ + + =0
r r (11)

Thus we have four equations for three unknown functions. The system of equations (8) - (10) has the solution

a +b
ϕ = log(c1r a ) , Ψ = log(c2 r b ) , Λ = log(c3r )
(12a, b, c)

Inserting (12a, b, c) into (11) we obtain the constraint

ab + a +b = 0 (13)

Therefore all vacuum static cylindrically symmetric solutions of Einstein’s equations are given by

ds 2 = −c1 r 2 a dt 2 + c3 r 2( a + b ) dr 2 + r 2 dθ 2 + c2 r 2b dz 2
2 2 2
(14)

2 2 2
Subject to the constraint (13). The constants
c1 and c 2 can be absorbed by rescaling t and z. The constant c3

can be absorbed by rescaling r, which affects the dθ 2 term by bringing out another constant k 2 in its coefficient. The

constant k 2 can be absorbed by rescaling θ which redefines its range from 0 to some angle α ∗ . Therefore, all vacuum
static cylindrically symmetric solutions of Einstein’s equations in the tangential gauge are given by

ds 2 = −r 2 a dt 2 + r 2( a +b ) dr 2 + r 2 dθ 2 + r 2b dz 2 (15)

Where a and b are restricted by the constraint (13) and where 0 ≤ θ ≤ α ∗ , where α ∗ may or may not be equal
2π . If a = b = 0, constraint (13) is satisfied. Then (15) reduces to

ds 2 = −dt 2 + dr 2 + r 2 dθ 2 + dz 2 (16)

Metric (16) represents the ordinary Minkowski space if it happens that α ∗ = 2π . Otherwise it represents a cone
solution.

Any interior cylindrically symmetric solution must be joined smoothly with any one of the 1-parameter family of
solutions (15) at the boundary of the cylindrically symmetric source.

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4 M. A. Kauser & Q. Islam

3. STATIC CYLINDRICALLY PERFECT FLUID SOLUTIONS

Previously, perfect fluid solutions with cylindrical symmetry have been discussed, among others, by Evan [10], Bronnikov

[11] and Sharif [12]. Evan and Bronnikov used various equations of state which can be written as
ρ =γ p for specific

values of
γ as well as energy conservation equation. Sharif found some solutions by specifying one of the three metric
functions. They used the form of the metric in the arc-length gauge. In Section-4.4, we will show that, using the form of
the metric in the tangential gauge, it is possible to find all static cylindrically symmetric perfect fluid solutions in closed
form. Before that, let us see how solutions are derived in [12] using the form of the metric in the arc-length gauge, which
we rewrite for convenience in the following way,

ds 2 = −eγ ( r ) dt 2 + dr 2 + eλ ( r ) dθ 2 + e µ ( r ) dz 2 (17)

If the matter content is perfect, fluid Einstein’s equations provide the system of equations [11],

″ λ µ ″
 λ2  −
µ
−   λ ′µ ′
8π ρ = −e  e  − e  e 2  −
2
2

    4
(18)

″ µ γ ″
 µ2 
−
γ
−   µ ′γ ′
8π p = e  e  + e  e 2  +
2 2

    4
(19)

γ ″
γ λ λ ″
 −  −   λ ′γ ′
8π p = e 2  e 2  + e 2  e 2  +
    4
(20)

8π p =
1
(λ ′µ ′ + µ ′γ ′ + λ ′γ ′)
4 (21)

To solve the above system of equations the cases (A)

γ = 0 , (B) λ = 0 and (C)
µ =0 are considered.

Case A: In this case equations (19) – (21) can be expressed as

y′′ z′′ y′′ z′ z ′′ y′

= = =
y z , y′ z and z′ y (22a, b, c)

µ λ

Where
y = e 2 , z = e 2 and primes denote derivatives with respect to r. From (22b) and (22c) we get

y′ = k1 z , z′ = k2 y (23a, b)

Equations (23a) and (23b) imply

y′′ z′′
= = k1k2
y z (24)

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Static Cylindrically Symmetric Solutions of Einstein’s Equations 5

Which imposes a constraint. Using (23b) in (23a) we get

y′′ − (k1k2 ) y = 0 (25)

Equation (25) can be solved for y. Knowing y(r), z(r) can be found from (23b). Four cases arise, (i)
k1k2 < 0, (ii)

k1k2 > 0, (iii) k1 ≠ 0 , k2 = 0 and (iv) k1 = 0 , k2 ≠ 0 .

(i) In this case we get the solution

µ
e 2 = k3 cos( − k1k 2 r + k 4 )

λ
k2
e 2 = k3 − sin( − k1k 2 r + k 4 )
k1

(ii) In this case we obtain

µ
e 2 = k4 cosh( k1k2 r )

λ
k2
e 2 = k4 sinh( k1k2 r + k5 )
k1

(iii)
e 2 = c1r + c2

λ
e 2 = c3

(iv)
e 2 = c3

λ
e 2 = c1r + c2

For each of these solutions we get

3 1
ρ =− k1k 2 p = k1k 2
8π , 8π ,
ρ + 3p = 0

We see that solution with

k1k 2 < 0 has a positive energy density while with k1k 2 > 0 has a negative energy

density. If
k1k 2 = 0, the solution is trivial.

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6 M. A. Kauser & Q. Islam

Case B: In this case equations (19) – (21) reduce to

′
 γ µ ′
 2 2  
 e  e   = 0
  
  (26)

µ µ ″ γ γ ″
−   −  
e 2  e 2  + e 2  e 2  = 0
    (27)

′
 −µ γ ′ 
 2 2  
 e  e   = 0
  
  (28)

In this case
ρ and
p are given by

1
ρ= k1k 2e −γ = p
8π

We find that both

ρ and
p depend on γ (r ) .

Case C: Case C is trivial and can be solved by replacing

µ in Case B by λ . This yields the Evan’s solution [10].

4. FIELD EQUATIONS IN THE TANGENTIAL GAUGE

We are interested in finding static cylindrically symmetric internal solutions when the matter content is perfect fluid. For
this, we are to solve the equation

1
Rµν − g µν R = 8π Tµν
2 (29)

We find it convenient to use the form of the metric in the tangential gauge which we rewrite for convenience,

ds 2 = −e 2ϕ ( r ) dt 2 + e 2 Λ ( r ) dr 2 + r 2 dθ 2 + e 2ψ ( r ) dz 2 (2)

1
G µν = Rµν − g µν R
Nonzero components of the Einstein’s tensor 2 for the metric (2) are given by [9]

 Λ′ Ψ′ 
Gtt = e 2(ϕ − Λ )  − Ψ ′′ − Ψ ′ 2 + ψ ′Λ ′ + − 
 r r 

ϕ′ Ψ′
Grr = Ψ ′ϕ ′ + +
r r

(
Gθθ = r 2 e −2 Λ ϕ ′′ + ϕ ′ 2 − ϕ ′Λ ′ + Ψ ′′ + Ψ ′ 2 − Ψ ′Λ ′ + Ψ ′ϕ ′ )

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Static Cylindrically Symmetric Solutions of Einstein’s Equations 7

 Λ′ ϕ ′ 
G zz = e 2( Ψ − Λ )  ϕ ′′ + ϕ ′ 2 − ϕ ′Λ ′ − + 
 r r 

Since the matter content is perfect fluid

Tµν = ( ρ + p )u µ uν − pg µν

Tµν
Nonzero components of are found to be

Ttt = ρe 2ϕ Trr = pe 2 Λ Tϕϕ = pr Tzz = pe 2 Ψ

2
, , ,

Using these in equation (29) we obtain the equations

 Λ′ Ψ ′ 
8π ρ = e − 2 Λ  − Ψ ′′ − Ψ′2 + ψ ′Λ′ + − 
 r r  (30)

 ϕ ′ Ψ′ 
8π p = e − 2 Λ  Ψ ′ϕ ′ + + 
 r r  (31)

(
8π p = e −2 Λ ϕ ′′ + ϕ ′ 2 − ϕ ′Λ ′ + Ψ ′′ + Ψ ′ 2 − Ψ ′Λ ′ + Ψ ′ϕ ′ ) (32)

 Λ′ ϕ ′ 
8π p = e − 2 Λ  ϕ ′′ + ϕ ′ 2 − ϕ ′Λ ′ − + 
 r r  (33)

We have only four equations (30) - (33) for the five unknown functions
ρ (r ) , p(r ) , ϕ (r ) , Λ(r ) and
Ψ (r ) .

In the following, we provide a formalism for obtaining all static cylindrically symmetric perfect solutions which
depends on the specification of a single solution generating function. However, not all specifications of the generating
function can generate physically acceptable solution. For obtaining physically acceptable solutions, the generating function
is required satisfy some conditions.

5. GENERATION OF ALL STATIC CYLINDRICALLY SYMMETRIC

PERFECT FLUID SOLUTIONS

From equations (31) – (33) we obtain

ϕ′ Λ′
Ψ ′′ + Ψ ′2 + Ψ ′ϕ ′ − − Ψ′Λ′ + =0
r r

ψ′ Λ′
ϕ ′′ + ϕ ′2 − Ψ′ϕ ′ − − ϕ ′Λ′ − =0
r r
These can be rearranged as

ϕ ′ − Λ′
Ψ ′′ = − (ϕ ′ − Λ ′)Ψ ′ − Ψ ′ 2
r (34)
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8 M. A. Kauser & Q. Islam

Ψ′ + Λ′
ϕ ′′ = + (Ψ ′ + Λ ′)ϕ ′ − ϕ ′ 2
r (35)

1
Ψ′ =
Equations (34) and (35) are Riccati type differential equations. Also r is a particular solution of (34) for

any choice of
ϕ ′ − Λ′ . The general solution of a Riccati type differential equation can be obtained if one particular
solution is known. Hence the general solution of (34) can be found. Equation (35) has no such particular solution.

From equations (34) and (35) we obtain

rΨ′′ + rΨ ′2
Λ′ = ϕ ′ −
1 − rΨ ′ (36)

rϕ ′′ + rϕ ′ 2
Λ′ = − Ψ′
1 + rϕ ′ (37)

From equations (36) and (37) we obtain

ϕ ′ − rϕ ′′ rΨ ′′ − Ψ ′ + 2Ψ ′ 2
=
1 + rϕ ′ 1 − rΨ ′ = f (r ) , say (38)

From (38) we obtain the pair of equations

rf − 1 f
ϕ ′′ + ϕ′ = −
r r (39)

rf − 1 f
Ψ ′′ + Ψ ′ = − 2Ψ ′ 2
r r (40)

From (36), (37) and (38) it can be seen that Λ ′ is given by

Λ ′ = ϕ ′ − Ψ ′ − f (r ) (41)

1
Ψ′ =
Given f(r), (39) can be solved for
ϕ′ as it is linear in
ϕ ′ . Since r is a particular solution of the of the

Riccati type differential equation (40), it can also be solved. Knowing

ϕ′ , Ψ′ and f(r), Λ ′ is determined by (41). ρ (r )
is then obtained from (30) and p(r) is obtained from any one of the equations (31) – (33). Thus, any specification of f(r)
generates a solution. Conversely for any solution there is an f(r). This provides formalism for generating all static
cylindrically symmetric perfect fluid solutions of Einstein’s equations. Although any specification of f(r) generates a
solution, it is not guaranteed that the resulting solution is physically acceptable. For physical acceptability, it is necessary

that
ϕ (0) = Ψ (0) = Λ(0) = 0 so that the metric coefficients are equal to 1 along the axis r = 0. We also require
Ψ ′(0) = ϕ ′(0) = 0 to obtain smooth solutions along r = 0. From (4.38) we see that if ϕ ′′(0) and Ψ′′(0) are finite then

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Static Cylindrically Symmetric Solutions of Einstein’s Equations 9

Ψ ′(0) = ϕ ′(0) = 0 implies f(0) = 0. In that case (4.41) shows that Λ ′(0) = 0 . Therefore a class of physically
acceptable solutions may be generated by choosing f(r) such that f(0) = 0. Inspired by this, we now provide the following
algorithm for generating physically acceptable solutions.

THE ALGORITHM

g ′(r )
f (r ) =
Let g (r )

Then f(0) = 0 iff

g ′(0) = 0 and g(0) ≠ 0. Then the solutions of (39) and (40), can be written in closed form as follows,

r  g ′(r ) 
ϕ ′(r ) = c − ∫ r 2 dr 
g   (42)

dr
2r 2 g ∫
+1
r3g
Ψ ′(r ) =
dr
2r 3 g ∫ 3
r g (43)

Using (42) and (43) in (41) we obtain

dr
2r 2 g ∫ +1
r3g
r  g ′(r )  dr g ′(r )
Λ ′(r ) =  ∫ r 2 dr 
c − 2r 3 g ∫ 3 −
g   - r g g (r ) (44)

Given g(r) such that

g ′(0) = 0 , g (0) ≠ 0 the metric functions ϕ (r ) , Ψ (r ) and Λ(r ) are determined by (42),

(43) and (44) respectively. The energy density

ρ (r ) and pressure p(r) are then given by (30) and (31).

Using the algorithm outlined above, we have found a new solution in Section-6.

6. NEW SOLUTION

Let us choose

g (r) = k = constant.

In this case we have

g ′(r ) = 0 . Inserting these in (42), (43) and (44) we obtain

cr cr
Ψ ′(r ) = Λ ′(r ) = ar − 2
ϕ ′(r ) = ar , cr − 1 ,
2
cr − 1

ar 2 1
ϕ (r ) = + b1 Ψ (r ) = log(1 − cr 2 ) + b2
2 , 2 ,

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10 M. A. Kauser & Q. Islam

Λ(r ) =
2
[
1 2
]
ar − log(1 − cr 2 ) + b1 − b2

The conditions
ϕ (0) = Ψ (0) = Λ(0) = 0 are satisfied if
b1 = b2 = 0 . Clearly Ψ ′(0) = ϕ ′(0) = 0 . Hence,

the solution is regular on the axis of symmetry. Energy

ρ (r ) and pressure p(r) are calculated as

3c − a
ρ (r ) =
8π e ar
2

a − c − 2acr 2
p(r ) =
8π e ar
2

Both
ρ (r ) and p(r) are decreasing functions of r.

3c − a a−c
ρ ( 0) = p(0) =
8π , 8π

Clearly
ρ (0) > 0 and p(0) > 0 if c < a < 3c . Let r = R be the point where p(r) = 0

⇒ a − c − 2ac − 2acR 2 = 0 .

This gives

a−c
R= >0
2ac if a > 0, c > 0 and a > c, or if a <0, c <0 and a > c.

Therefore this gives a realistic solution.

7. CONCLUSIONS

Choice of gauge (coordinate system) plays an important role in cylindrically symmetric solutions of Einstein’s equations.
We have found it convenient to use the tangential gauge. Using this gauge, we have found a new static cylindrically
symmetric perfect fluid solution. Generation all such solutions depends on the specific of a single input function f(r). A
g ′(r )
f (r ) =
class of realistic solutions is generated by choosing g (r ) where g(r) = constant.

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Static Cylindrically Symmetric Solutions of Einstein’s Equations 11

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