Thomas Rotation and Thomas Precession

Authors: Matolcsi, Tamás¹; Matolcsi, Máté²

Source: International Journal of Theoretical Physics, Volume 44, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 63-77(15)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Exact and simple calculation of Thomas rotation and Thomas precessions along a circular world line is presented in an absolute (coordinate-free) formulation of special relativity. A straightforward derivation of the Fermi–Walker equation is also given. Besides the simplicity of calculations the absolute treatment of spacetime allows us to make a clear conceptual distinction between the phenomena of Thomas rotation and Thomas precession.

Keywords: Thomas rotation; Thomas precession; gyroscope

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10773-005-1437-y

Affiliations: 1: Department of Applied Analysis, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary, 2: Department of Analysis, Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics, Budapest, Hungary, Email: matomate@renyi.hu

Publication date: 2005-01-01