1+1+2 covariant approach to gravitational lensing in f(R) gravity

In this thesis, we develop the 1 + 1 + 2 formalism, a technique originally devised for General Relativity, to treat spherically symmetric spacetimes in for fourth order theories of gravity. Using this formalism, we derive equations for a static and spherically symmetric spacetime for general f(R) gravity. We apply these master eqautions to derive some exact solutions, which are used to gain insight on Birkhoff's theorem in this framework. Additionally, we derive a covariant form of the lensing angle for a specific spherically symmetric solution in f(R) = Rn gravity.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Nzioki, Anne Marie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dunsby, Peter

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17116

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17116