Irreducible decomposition of Einstein's equations in spacetimes with symmetries (Q1283517)

This paper tries to develop a completely general approach to symmetries in general relativity. It starts by taking a spacetime \(M\) with metric \(g\) and letting \(X\) be a (symmetry) vector field on it. Then he assumes that the Lie derivative of \(g\) with respect to \(X\) is of the form \(2Ag+H\) where \(A\) is a real valued function and \(H\) a tracefree symmetric second order tensor (which can always be arranged). The idea then seems to be to decompose everything with respect to \(X\) and a timelike vector field \(U\) (e.g., the Lie derivatives of the Riemann, Ricci tensors, etc.). The result is a very complicated and lengthy calculation. The author then claims that this leads to certain known results easily. Whilst the idea behind the method is appealing since it does not (yet) have inserted into it which symmetry (Killing, conformal, etc.) is being considered, it seems to the reviewer that it is probably easier to consider each symmetry separately.