Mathematical Structure of Tetrad Equations for Vacuum Relativity

Abstract

The tetrad partial differential equations formulated by Buchman and Bardeen for vacuum gravity are shown to be well posed by calculation of the Cartan characters of an associated exterior differential system. Gauge specializations are discussed. A Cartan 4-form is found for this field theory, together with its intrinsic version the Lagrangian density.

Slightly revised. In press, Phys. Rev. D15