Angular Momentum Imparted To Test Particles by Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper explores how gravitational waves transfer angular momentum to test particles, reviewing formalisms, analyzing claims about gravitational wave spin, and clarifying inconsistencies in previous research.

Contribution

It provides a detailed review of the pseudo-Newtonian formalism and critically examines claims regarding gravitational wave spin, clarifying their validity.

Findings

Demonstrated inconsistency in previous claims about gravitational wave spin

Reviewed and extended the pseudo-Newtonian formalism for momentum transfer

Clarified the energy and propagation characteristics of gravitational waves

Abstract

What are gravitational waves? How do they propagate? and what is their energy content? These questions are addressed in the first two chapters. In the third chapter the pseudo-Newtonian formalism and its extension is reviewed in general and the formula for the momentum imparted to test particles in arbitrary spacetimes is reviewed in particular. In chapter four the analysis of a paper claiming to determine the spin for gravitational waves is given, and compared with the spin given by a geodesic analysis. It is demonstrated that the other claim is inconsistent. Finally in chapter five a summary of the work is given with the conclusion.