Controversies in the History of the Radiation Reaction problem in General Relativity

TL;DR

This paper explores the historical debates over gravitational radiation and orbital damping in general relativity, highlighting key controversies from the 1930s to the 1950s and their impact on the field.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis of the controversies surrounding gravitational radiation reaction in general relativity, emphasizing overlooked debates and their influence on modern understanding.

Findings

Historical controversies shaped the development of gravitational wave theory

Disputes over the quadrupole formula influenced research directions

Understanding past debates clarifies current theoretical challenges

Abstract

This paper examines the historical controversy over whether gravitationally bound systems, such as binary stars, experienced orbital damping due to the emission of gravitational radiation, focusing especially on the period of the 1950s, but also discussing the work of Einstein and Rosen in the 1930s on cylindrical gravitational waves and the later quadrupole formula controversy.