Phase space for the Einstein equations (Q871722)

A Hilbert manifold structure is described for the phase space of asymptotically flat initial data for the Einstein equations. The space of solutions of the constraint equations forms a Hilbert submanifold. The Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) energy-momentum defines a function which is smooth on this submanifold, but which is not defined in general on all of the phase space. The ADM Hamiltonian defines a smooth function on the phase space which generates the Einstein evolution equations only if the lapse-shift satisfies rapid decay conditions. One proves, that a regularized Hamiltonian can be defined on phase space which agrees with the Regge-Teitelboim Hamiltonian on the Hilbert submanifold and generates the evolution for any lapse -shift appropriately asymptotic to a time translation to infinity. Finally, critical points for the total ADM mass, considered as a function on the Hilbert manifold of constraint solutions, arise precisely at initial data generating stationary vacuum spacetimes.