The Newtonian limit of spacetimes describing uniformly accelerated particles

Abstract

We discuss the Newtonian limit of boost-rotation symmetric spacetimes by means of the Ehler's frame theory. Conditions for the existence of such a limit are given and, in particular, we show that asymptotic flatness is an essential requirement for the existence of such a limit. Consequently, generalized boost-rotation symmetric spacetimes describing particles moving in uniform fields will not possess a Newtonian limit. In the cases where the boost-rotation symmetric spacetime is asymptotically flat and its Newtonian limit exists, then it is non-zero only for the instant of time symmetry and its value is given by a Poisson integral. The relation of this result with the (Newtonian) gravitational potential suggested by the weak field approximation is discussed. We illustrate our analysis through some examples: the two monopoles solution, the Curzon-Chazy particle solution, the generalized Bonnor-Swaminarayan solution, and the C metric.