The Hilbert Action in Regge Calculus

Abstract

The Hilbert action is derived for a simplicial geometry. I recover the usual Regge calculus action by way of a decomposition of the simplicial geometry into 4-dimensional cells defined by the simplicial (Delaunay) lattice as well as its dual (Voronoi) lattice. Within the simplicial geometry, the Riemann scalar curvature, the proper 4-volume, and hence, the Regge action is shown to be exact, in the sense that the definition of the action does not require one to introduce an averaging procedure, or a sequence of continuum metrics which were common in all previous derivations. It appears that the unity of these two dual lattice geometries is a salient feature of Regge calculus.