On the pressure of gravitational waves (Q818861)

The subject of gravitational waves and various related matters are of extreme significance for our understanding of nature. The authors have considered a system of coupled point masses under the influence of gravitational waves. The pressure of a weak plane monochromatic gravitational wave on an elastic body is examined. After the introduction giving the non-relativistic second-order deviation equation describing the relative acceleration of two point masses with almost parallel world velocities, the second section deals with the problem of pressure of gravitational waves. In the third section the relativistic case is examined. The fourth and final section provides a summary of the work. Some interesting conclusions are: 1. The rest mass of the graviton equals zero, 2. The effects caused by absorption of gravitational waves prove to be considerably enhanced in comparison with a stationary system, 3. The present study throws light on geodesic deviation and tidal waves.