General formalism, classification, and demystification of the current warp-drive spacetimes

TL;DR

This paper critically analyzes warp-drive spacetimes within General Relativity, classifies models, corrects misconceptions, and proves new no-go theorems, showing the significant challenges to their physical viability.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive classification, formalism, and correction of misconceptions about warp-drive models, including new no-go theorems that challenge their feasibility.

Findings

Most warp-drive claims need reassessment under correct GR principles

Many models violate energy conditions or are physically implausible

The paper clarifies misconceptions and provides formal classifications

Abstract

We critically examine proposals for the so-called warp-drive spacetimes and classify these models based on their various restrictions within the framework of General Relativity. We then provide a summary of general formalism for each class, and in the process, we highlight some misconceptions, misunderstandings, and errors in the literature that have been used to support claims about the physicality and feasibility of these models. On the way, we prove several new no-go theorems. Our analysis shows that when the principles of General Relativity are applied correctly, most claims regarding physical warp drives must be reassessed, and it becomes highly challenging to justify or support the viability of such models, not merely due to the violation of energy conditions.