Singular semi-Riemannian geometry (Q1184415)

Let \(M\) be a differentiable manifold, equipped with a symmetric \((0,2)\) tensor field \(g\). \(p\in M\) is called a singular point of \(g\), if the tensor \(g_ p\) is degenerated. Using local coordinates and setting \(F=\text{det}(g_{ij})\), then \(F_ p=0\). \(p\) is called a noncritical singular point (n. s. point), if \(F_ p=0\) and \(dF_ p\neq 0\). In the first part of the paper the author considers geodesics through an n.s. point and parallel translation along curves through an n.s. point, and derives some existence theorems in this case. Next suppose, that \(g=fh\), where \(h\) is a regular metric tensor and \(f\) a function on \(M\). \(p\in M\) is called a conformal singular point (c.s. point), if \(f_ p=0\). A c.s. point is a critical singular point when \(\text{dim }M\geq 2\). Then geodesics through a c.s. point and parallel translation along curves through a c.s. point are considered, and some some existence and uniqueness theorems are proved in this case. In the last part the author investigates the behaviour of the Jacobi fields along geodesics through c.s. points. Geodesic variations whose variation vector field is a given Jacobi field along a geodesic, are considered, and it is shown that repeated zeros of Jacobi fields along geodesics through c.s. points retain their significance as an almost meeting point for nearby geodesics.