Wiggly Relativistic Strings

Abstract

We derive the equations of motion for general strings, i.e. strings with arbitrary relation between tension $\tau$ and energy per unit length $\epsilon$. The renormalization of $\tau$ and $\epsilon$ that results from averaging out small scale wiggles on the string is obtained in the general case to lowest order in the amount of wiggliness. For Nambu-Goto strings we find deviations from the equation of state $\epsilon \tau = {\rm constant}$ in higher orders. Finally we argue that wiggliness may radically modify the gauge cosmic string scenario.