A solution of the Einstein-Maxwell equations describing conformally flat spacetime outside a charged domain wall

Abstract

We derive and discuss the physical interpretation of a conformally flat, static solution of the Einstein-Maxwell equations. It is argued that it describes a conformally flat, static spacetime outside a charged spherically symmetric domain wall. The acceleration of gravity is directed away from the wall in spite of the positive gravitational mass of the electric field outside the wall, as given by the Tolman-Whittaker expression. The reason for the repulsive gravitation is the strain of the wall which is calculated using the Israel formalism for singular surfaces.