Håkan Andreasson

• Professor
• Professor at University of Gothenburg

In 2001 Wolansky (Arch Ration Mech Anal 156:205-230, 2001) introduced a particle number-Casimir functional for the Einstein–Vlasov system. Two open questions are associated with this functional. First, a meaningful variational problem should be formulated and the existence of a minimizer to this problem should be established. The second issue is to...

We give a new proof for the existence of spherically symmetric steady states to the Vlasov-Poisson system, following a strategy that has been used successfully to approximate axially symmetric solutions numerically, both to the Vlasov-Poisson system and to the Einstein-Vlasov system. There are several reasons why a mathematical analysis of this num...

In 1939, Oppenheimer and Snyder showed that the continued gravitational collapse of a self-gravitating matter distribution can result in the formation of a black hole, cf.~ \cite{OS}. In this paper, which has greatly influenced the evolution of ideas around the concept of a black hole, matter was modeled as dust, a fluid with pressure equal to zero...

The purpose of this work is to review the status about stationary solutions of the axially symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system with a focus on open problems of both analytical and numerical nature. For the latter we emphasize that the code used to construct stationary solutions in \cite{Ames2016,Ames2019} is open source, see \cite{Ames2023joss}. In th...

We consider gravitational collapse for the axially symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system. We investigate the weak cosmic censorship conjecture in the case of highly prolate initial data and we investigate the “only if” part of the Hoop conjecture. Shapiro and Teukolsky initiated a similar study in 1991 [Formation of Naked Singularities: The Violation of...

We rigorously derive the quadrupole formula within the context of the Einstein-Vlasov system. The main contribution of this work is an estimate of the remainder terms, derived from well-defined assumptions, with explicitly stated error terms that depend on the solution's boundedness and decay properties, and the distance to the source. The assumpti...

We consider gravitational collapse for the axially symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system. We investigate the weak cosmic censorship conjecture in the case of highly prolate initial data and we investigate the ``only if" part of the Hoop conjecture. Shapiro and Teukolsky initiated a similar study in 1991 \cite{Shapiro1991} where they found support that t...

Existence of spherically symmetric solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system is well-known. However, it is an open problem whether or not static solutions arise as minimizers of a variational problem. Apart from being of interest in its own right, it is the connection to non-linear stability that gives this topic its importance. This problem was cons...

We show that there exist steady states of the spherically symmetric massless Einstein–Vlasov system which surround a Schwarzschild black hole. The steady states are (thick) shells with finite mass and compact support. Furthermore we prove that an arbitrary number of shells, necessarily well separated, can surround the black hole. To our knowledge t...

We numerically investigate the dynamics near black hole formation of solutions to the Einstein–Vlasov system in axisymmetry. Our results are obtained using a particle-in-cell and finite difference code based on the (2 + 1) + 1 formulation of the Einstein field equations in axisymmetry. Solutions are launched from non-stationary initial data and exh...

We show that there exist steady states of the massless Einstein-Vlasov system which surround a Schwarzschild black hole. The steady states are (thick) shells with finite mass and compact support. Furthermore we prove that an arbitrary number of shells, necessarily well separated, can surround the black hole. To our knowledge this is the first resul...

We numerically investigate the dynamcis near black hole formation of solutions to the Einstein--Vlasov system in axisymmetry. Our results are obtained using a particle-in-cell and finite difference code based on the $(2+1)+1$ formulation of the Einstein field equations in axisymmetry. Solutions are launched from generic type initial data and exhibi...

In this note we address the attempted proof of the existence of static solutions to the Einstein–Vlasov system as given in Wolansky (Arch Ration Mech Anal 156:205–230, 2001). We focus on a specific and central part of the proof which concerns a variational problem with an obstacle. We show that two important claims in Wolansky (2001) are incorrect...

In this note we address the attempted proof of the existence of static solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system as given in \cite{Wol}. We focus on a specific and central part of the proof which concerns a variational problem with an obstacle. We show that two important claims in \cite{Wol} are incorrect and we question the validity of a third claim...

We numerically investigate limits of a two-parameter family of stationary solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system. The solutions are toroidal and have non-vanishing angular momentum. As one tunes to more relativistic solutions (measured for example by an increasing redshift) there exists a sequence of solutions which approaches the extreme Kerr bla...

We numerically investigate limits of a two-parameter family of stationary solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system. The solutions are toroidal and have non-vanishing angular momentum. As one tunes to more relativistic solutions (measured for example by an increasing redshift) there exists a sequence of solutions which approaches the extreme Kerr bla...

Axisymmetric and stationary solutions are constructed to the Einstein--Vlasov and Vlasov--Poisson systems. These solutions are constructed numerically, using finite element methods and a fixed-point iteration in which the total mass is fixed at each step. A variety of axisymmetric stationary solutions are exhibited, including solutions with toroida...

Axisymmetric and stationary solutions are constructed to the Einstein--Vlasov and Vlasov--Poisson systems. These solutions are constructed numerically, using finite element methods and a fixed-point iteration in which the total mass is fixed at each step. A variety of axisymmetric stationary solutions are exhibited, including solutions with toroida...

We prove existence of spherically symmetric, static, self-gravitating photon shells as solutions to the massless Einstein-Vlasov system. The solutions are highly relativistic in the sense that the ratio $2m(r)/r$ is close to $8/9$, where $m(r)$ is the Hawking mass and $r$ is the area radius. In 1955 Wheeler constructed, by numerical means, so calle...

We prove existence of spherically symmetric, static, self-gravitating photon shells as solutions to the massless Einstein-Vlasov system. The solutions are highly relativistic in the sense that the ratio $2m(r)/r$ is close to $8/9$, where $m(r)$ is the Hawking mass and $r$ is the area radius. In 1955 Wheeler constructed, by numerical means, so calle...

We construct spherically symmetric, static solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system with non-vanishing cosmological constant $\Lambda$. The results are divided as follows. For small $\Lambda>0$ we show existence of globally regular solutions which coincide with the Schwarzschild-deSitter solution in the exterior of the matter sources. For $\Lambda<0...

We study the properties of static spherically symmetric elastic bodies in general relativity using both analytical and numerical tools. The materials considered belong to the class of John elastic materials and reduce to perfect fluids when the rigidity parameter is set to zero. We find numerical support that such elastic bodies exist with differen...

A large class of flat axially symmetric solutions to the Vlasov-Poisson system is constructed with the property that the corresponding rotation curves are approximately flat, slightly decreasing or slightly increasing. The rotation curves are compared with measurements from real galaxies and satisfactory agreement is obtained. These facts raise the...

Anatural question in general relativity is to find initial data for the Einstein equations whose past evolution is regular and whose future evolution contains a black hole. In [1] initial data of this kind is constructed for the spherically symmetric Einstein–Vlasov system. One consequence of the result is that there exists a class of initial data...

The weak cosmic censorship conjecture is a central open problem in classical general relativity. Under the assumption of spherical symmetry, Christodoulou has investigated the conjecture for two different matter models; a scalar field and dust. He has shown that the conjecture holds true for a scalar field but that it is violated in the case of dus...

The present status on the existence, structure and stability of static and stationary solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system is reviewed. Under the assumptions that a spherically symmetric static object has isotropic pressure and non-increasing energy density outwards, Buchdahl showed 1959 the bound M/R<4/9, where M is the ADM mass and R the outer...

A natural question in general relativity is to find initial data for the Einstein equations whose past evolution is regular and whose future evolution contains a black hole. In [1] initial data of this kind is constructed for the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system. One consequence of the result is that there exists a class of initial data...

The currently preferred models of the universe undergo accelerated expansion induced by dark energy. One model for dark energy is a positive cosmological constant. It is consequently of interest to study Einstein's equations with a positive cosmological constant coupled to matter satisfying the ordinary energy conditions; the dominant energy condit...

The currently preferred models of the universe undergo accelerated expansion induced by dark energy. One model for dark energy is a positive cosmological constant. It is consequently of interest to study Einstein's equations with a positive cosmological constant coupled to matter satisfying the ordinary energy conditions; the dominant energy condit...

The existence of stationary solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system which are axially symmetric and have non-zero total angular momentum is shown. This provides mathematical models for rotating, general relativistic and asymptotically flat non-vacuum spacetimes. If angular momentum is allowed to be non-zero, the system of equations to solve contain...

We consider charged spherically symmetric static solutions of the Einstein-Maxwell equations with a positive cosmological constant $\Lambda$. If $r$ denotes the area radius, $m_g$ and $q$ the gravitational mass and charge of a sphere with area radius $r$ respectively, we find that for any solution which satisfies the condition $p+2p_{\perp}\leq \rh...

Initial data for the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system is constructed whose past evolution is regular and whose future evolution contains a black hole. This is the first example of initial data with these properties for the Einstein-matter system with a "realistic" matter model. One consequence of the result is that there exists a class...

The spherically symmetric Einstein–Vlasov system is considered in Schwarzschild coordinates and in maximal-isotropic coordinates. An open problem is the issue of global existence for initial data without size restrictions. The main purpose of the present work is to propose a method of approach for general initial data, which improves the regularity...

We prove the existence of static, asymptotically flat non-vacuum spacetimes with axial symmetry where the matter is modeled as a collisionless gas. The axially symmetric solutions of the resulting Einstein-Vlasov system are obtained via the implicit function theorem by perturbing off a suitable spherically symmetric steady state of the Vlasov-Poiss...

The problem of finding an upper bound on the mass M of a charged spherically symmetric static object with area radius R and charge Q < M is addressed. This problem has resulted in a number of papers in recent years but neither a transparent nor a general inequality similar to the case without charge, i.e., M ≤ 4R/9, has been found. Here, we discuss...

We consider the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat, non-vacuum Einstein equations, using as matter model a collisionless gas as described by the Vlasov equation. We find explicit conditions on the initial data which guarantee the formation of a trapped surface in the evolution which in particular implies that weak cosmic censorship holds fo...

In a recent paper by Giuliani and Rothman [17], the problem of finding a lower bound on the radius R of a charged sphere with mass M and charge Q<M is addressed. Such a bound is referred to as the critical stability radius. Equivalently, it can be formulated as the problem of finding an upper bound on M for given radius and charge. This problem has...

We consider spherically symmetric static solutions of the Einstein equations with a positive cosmological constant Λ, which are regular at the centre, and we investigate the influence of Λ on the bound of M/R, where M is the ADM mass and R is the area radius of the boundary of the static object. We find that for any solution which satisfies the ene...

We construct, by numerical means, static solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein–Vlasov–Maxwell system and investigate various features of the solutions. This extends a previous investigation (Andréasson and Rein 2007 Class. Quantum Grav. 24 1809) of the chargeless case. We study the possible shapes of the energy density profile as a functi...

Given a static Schwarzschild spacetime of ADM mass M, it is well-known that no ingoing causal geodesic starting in the outer domain r>2M will cross the event horizon r=2M in finite Schwarzschild time. In the present paper we show that in gravitational collapse of Vlasov matter this behaviour can be very different. We construct initial data for whic...

We review results on the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat Einstein-Vlasov system. We focus on a recent result where we found explicit conditions on the initial data which guarantee the formation of a black hole in the evolution. Among these data there are data such that the corresponding solutions exist globally in Schwarzschild coordinat...

In 1959 Buchdahl [H.A. Buchdahl, General relativistic fluid spheres, Phys. Rev. 116 (1959) 1027–1034] obtained the inequality 2M/R⩽8/9 under the assumptions that the energy density is non-increasing outwards and that the pressure is isotropic. Here M is the ADM mass and R the area radius of the boundary of the static body. The assumptions used to d...

A classical result by Buchdahl [6] shows that for static solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein equations, the ADM mass M and the area radius R of the boundary of the body, obey the inequality 2M/R ≤ 8/9. The proof of this inequality rests on the hypotheses that the energy density is non-increasing outwards and that the pressure is isotrop...

We consider the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat Einstein-Vlasov system. We find explicit conditions on the initial data, with ADM mass M, such that the resulting spacetime has the following properties: there is a family of radially outgoing null geodesics where the area radius r along each geodesic is bounded by 2M, the timelike lines $r...

We consider the spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat Einstein–Vlasov system. We find explicit conditions on the initial data, with ADM mass M, such that the resulting spacetime has the following properties: there is a family of radially outgoing null geodesics where the area radius r along each geodesic is bounded by 2M, the timelike lines r=...

A classical result by Buchdahl [9] shows that a class of static spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein equations obey the inequality 2M/R 0, of matter models for which the energy density rho >= 0, and the radial- and tangential pressures p >= 0 and q, satisfy p + q = 1. Note that this inequality holds with Omega = 3 for any matter model wh...

In 1959 Buchdahl \cite{Bu} obtained the inequality $2M/R\leq 8/9$ under the assumptions that the energy density is non-increasing outwards and that the pressure is isotropic. Here $M$ is the ADM mass and $R$ the area radius of the boundary of the static body. The assumptions used to derive the Buchdahl inequality are very restrictive and e.g. neith...

Using both numerical and analytical tools we study various features of static, spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system. In particular, we investigate the possible shapes of their mass-energy density and find that they can be multi-peaked, we give numerical evidence and a partial proof for the conjecture that the Buchdahl inequ...

We prove a new global existence result for the asymptotically flat, spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system which describes in the framework of general relativity an ensemble of particles which interact by gravity. The data are such that initially all the particles are moving radially outward and that this property can be bootstrapped. The res...

In a previous work \cite{An1} matter models such that the energy density $\rho\geq 0,$ and the radial- and tangential pressures $p\geq 0$ and $q,$ satisfy $p+q\leq\Omega\rho, \Omega\geq 1,$ were considered in the context of Buchdahl's inequality. It was proved that static shell solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein equations obey a Buchda...

A classical result by Buchdahl \cite{Bu1} shows that for static solutions of the spherically symmetric Einstein-matter system, the total ADM mass M and the area radius R of the boundary of the body, obey the inequality $2M/R\leq 8/9.$ The proof of this inequality rests on the hypotheses that the energy density is non-increasing outwards and that th...

The stability features of steady states of the spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system are investigated numerically. We find support for the conjecture by Zeldovich and Novikov that the binding energy maximum along a steady state sequence signals the onset of instability, a conjecture which we extend to and confirm for non-isotropic states. Th...

The spherically symmetric Einstein-Vlasov system in Schwarzschild coordinates (i.e. polar slicing and areal radial coordinate) is considered. An improved continuation criterion for global existence of classical solutions is given. Two other types of criteria which prevent finite time blow-up are also given.

The main purpose of this article is to provide a guide to theorems on global properties of solutions to the Einstein--Vlasov system. This system couples Einstein's equations to a kinetic matter model. Kinetic theory has been an important field of research during several decades in which the main focus has been on non-relativistic and special relati...

The main purpose of this article is to provide a guide to theorems on global properties of solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system. This system couples Einstein's equations to a kinetic matter model. Kinetic theory has been an important field of research during several decades in which the main focus has been on nonrelativistic and special relativi...

In a historical perspective kinetic theory has not played a central role for modelling phenomenological matter in general relativity where fluid models have dominated. However, while at present the mathematical understanding of fluid equations even in the absense of gravity is far from complete the mathematical results for kinetic equations in non-...

We show that deletion of the loss part of the collision term in all physically relevant versions of the Boltzmann equation, including the relativistic case, will in general lead to blowup in finite time of a solution and hence prevent global existence. Our result corrects an error in the proof given (Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 1987; 9:251–259), where t...

Classical solutions of the spherically symmetric Nordstr\"{o}m-Vlasov system are shown to exist globally in time. The main motivation for investigating the mathematical properties of the Nordstr\"{o}m-Vlasov system is its relation to the Einstein-Vlasov system. The former is not a physically correct model, but it is expected to capture some of the...

It is shown that a spacetime with collisionless matter evolving from data on a compact Cauchy surface with hyperbolic symmetry can be globally covered by compact hypersurfaces on which the mean curvature is constant and by compact hypersurfaces on which the area radius is constant. Results for the related cases of spherical and plane symmetry are r...

The global structure of solutions of the Einstein equations coupled to the Vlasov equation is investigated in the presence of a two-dimensional symmetry group. It is shown that there exist global CMC and areal time foliations. The proof is based on long-time existence theorems for the partial differential equations resulting from the Einstein-Vlaso...

The main purpose of this article is to provide a guide to theorems on global properties of solutions to the Einstein-Vlasov system. This system couples Einstein’s equations to a kinetic matter model. Kinetic theory has been an important field of research during several decades in which the main focus has been on nonrelativistic and special relativi...

A global existence theorem, with respect to a geometrically defined time, is shown for Gowdy symmetric globally hyperbolic solutions of the Einstein-Vlasov system for arbitrary (in size) initial data. The spacetimes being studied contain both matter and gravitational waves. Comment: Latex, 40 pages, submitted to CMP

Successful techniques have been developed for controlling the propagation of the support (preventing blow up) for the classical Vlasov-Poisson equation, leading to global existence of smooth solutions. It is well known that these techniques all fail for the relativistic Vlasov-Poisson equation. This equation is a hybrid of a relativistic transport...

The main purpose of the paper is to show that the gain term of the relativistic collision operator is regularizing. This is a generalization of P. L. Lions' analogous result in the nonrelativistic situation. The regularizing theorem has many applications in kinetic theory, and a few are discussed in this paper. In particular, the asymptotic behavio...

A theoretical model was derived to describe the discontinuous formation and desorption of clusters during particle adsorption at surfaces. Two steps were investigated: (1) time-dependent adsorption, where we found that the initial slope and the limiting magnitude of an adsorption isotherm depend on the clusters' distribution. A higher magnitude of...