We compare three methods for computing invariant Lyapunov exponents (LEs) in general relativity. They involve the geodesic deviation vector technique (M1), the two-nearby-orbits method with projection operations and with coordinate time as an indepen
dent variable (M2), and the two-nearby-orbits method without projection operations and with proper time as an independent variable (M3). An analysis indicates that M1 and M3 do not need any projection operation. In general, the values of LEs from the three methods are almost the same. As an advantage, M3 is simpler to use than M2. In addition, we propose to construct the invariant fast Lyapunov indictor (FLI) with two-nearby-trajectories and give its algorithm in order to quickly distinguish chaos from order. Taking a static axisymmetric spacetime as a physical model, we apply the invariant FLIs to explore the global dynamics of phase space of the system where regions of chaos and order are clearlyidentified.
Full general relativity requires that chaos indicators should be invariant in various spacetime coordinate systems for a given relativistic dynamical problem. On the basis of this point, we calculate the invariant Lyapunov exponents (LEs) for one of
the spinning compact binaries in the conservative second post-Newtonian (2PN) Lagrangian formulation without the dissipative effects of gravitational radiation, using the two-nearby-orbits method with projection operations and with coordinate time as an independent variable. It is found that the actual source leading to zero LEs in one paper [J. D. Schnittman and F. A. Rasio, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 121101 (2001)] but to positive LEs in the other [N. J. Cornish and J. Levin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 179001 (2002)] does not mainly depend on rescaling, but is due to two slightly different treatments of the LEs. It takes much more CPU time to obtain the stabilizing limit values as reliable values of LEs for the former than to get the slopes (equal to LEs) of the fit lines for the latter. Due to coalescence of some of the black holes, the LEs from the former are not an adaptive indicator of chaos for comparable mass compact binaries. In this case, the invariant fast Lyapunov indicator (FLI) of two-nearby orbits, as a very sensitive tool to distinguish chaos from order, is worth recommending. As a result, we do again find chaos in the 2PN approximation through different ratios of FLIs varying with time. Chaos cannot indeed be ruled out in real binaries.
Deep space laser ranging missions like ASTROD I (Single-Spacecraft Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices) and ASTROD, together with astrometry missions like GAIA and LATOR will be able to test relativistic gravity to an unprec
edented level of accuracy. More precisely, these missions will enable us to test relativistic gravity to $10^{-7}-10^{-9}$, and will require 2nd post-Newtonian approximation of relevant theories of gravity. The first post-Newtonian approximation is valid to $10^{-6}$ and the second post-Newtonian is valid to $10^{-12}$ in the solar system. The scalar-tensor theory is widely discussed and used in tests of relativistic gravity, especially after the interests in inflation, cosmological constant and dark energy in cosmology. In the Lagrangian, intermediate-range gravity term has a similar form as cosmological term. Here we present the full second post-Newtonian approximation of the scalar-tensor theory including viable examples of intermediate-range gravity. We use Chandrasekhars approach to derive the metric coefficients and the equation of the hydrodynamics governing a perfect fluid in the 2nd post-Newtonian approximation in scalar-tensor theory; all terms inclusive of $O(c^{-4})$ are retained consistently in the equation of motion.
J. W. Moffat and V. T. Toth submitted recently a comment (arXiv:0903.5291) on our latest paper Modified scalar-tensor-vector gravity theory and the constraint on its parameters [Deng, et al., Phys. Rev. D 79, 044014 (2009); arXiv:0901.3730 ]. We repl
y to each of their comments and justify our work and conclusions. Especially, their general STVG (MOG) theory has to be modified to fit the modern precision experiments.
A gravity theory called scalar-tensor-vector gravity (STVG) has been recently developed and succeeded in solar system, astrophysical and cosmological scales without dark matter [J. W. Moffat, J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys. 03, 004 (2006)]. However, two
assumptions have been used: (i) $B(r)=A^{-1}(r)$, where $B(r)$ and $A(r)$ are $g_{00}$ and $g_{rr}$ in the Schwarzschild coordinates (static and spherically symmetric); (ii) scalar field $G=Const.$ in the solar system. These two assumptions actually imply that the standard parametrized post-Newtonian parameter $gamma=1$. In this paper, we relax these two assumptions and study STVG further by using the post-Newtonian (PN) approximation approach. With abandoning the assumptions, we find $gamma eq1$ in general cases of STVG. Then, a version of modified STVG (MSTVG) is proposed through introducing a coupling function of scalar field G: $theta(G)$. We have derived the metric and equations of motion (EOM) in 1PN for general matter without specific equation of state and $N$ point masses firstly. Subsequently, the secular periastron precession $dot{omega}$ of binary pulsars in harmonic coordinates is given. After discussing two PPN parameters ($gamma$ and $beta$) and two Yukawa parameters ($alpha$ and $lambda$), we use $dot{omega}$ of four binary pulsars data (PSR B1913+16, PSR B1534+12, PSR J0737-3039 and PSR B2127+11C) to constrain the Yukawa parameters for MSTVG: $lambda=(3.97pm0.01)times10^{8}$m and $alpha=(2.40pm0.02)times10^{-8}$ if we fix $|2gamma-beta-1|=0$.
In this paper, second post-Newtonian approximation of Einstein-aether theory is obtained by Chandrasekhars approach. Five parameterized post-Newtonian parameters in first post-Newtonian approximation are presented after a time transformation and they
are identical with previous works, in which $gamma=1$, $beta=1$ and two preferred-frame parameters remain. Meanwhile, in second post-Newtonian approximation, a parameter, which represents third order nonlinearity for gravity, is zero the same as in general relativity. For an application for future deep space laser ranging missions, we reduce the metric coefficients for light propagation in a case of $N$ point masses as a simplified model of the solar system. The resulting light deflection angle in second post-Newtonian approximation poses another constraint on the Einstein-aether theory.
