Projective Formalism and Some Methods from Algebraic Geometry in the Theory of Gravitation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose the implementation of some methods from algebraic geometry in the theory of gravitation, and more especially in the variational formalism. It has been assumed that the metric tensor depends on two vector fields, defined on a manifold, and also that the gravitational Lagrangian depends on the metric tensor and its first and second differentials (instead on the partial or covariant derivatives, as usually assumed). Assuming also different operators of variation and differentiation, it has been shown that the first variation of the gravitational Lagrangian can be represented as a third-rank polynomial in respect to the variables, defined in terms of the variated or differentiated vector fields. Therefore, the solution of the variational problem is found to be equivalent to finding all the variables - elements of an algebraic variety, which satisfy the algebraic equation.