Wiggly Relativistic Strings

Abstract

We derive the equations of motion for general strings, i.e. strings with arbitrary relation between tension $τ$ and energy per unit length $ε$. The renormalization of $τ$ and $ε$ 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 $ετ= {\rm constant}$ in higher orders. Finally we argue that wiggliness may radically modify the gauge cosmic string scenario.