of black hole physics. Among the topics covered are dynamics of particles, fluids and gyroscopes, electrodynamics, gravitational waves, thermodynamics, and Hawking radiation. Optical geometry is also discussed in the wider context of Kaluza-Klein theories and quantum gravity. The first chapter of the book describes the subject in non-technical terms; the rest of it provides all the mathematical details in a systematic, self-contained way.  (less)

of using mathematical formulas to make sense of our world. He calls into question the existence of God, the concept of time, and even refutes the reasoning behind Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Vulcz believes the universe is a finite cloud that has and will exist forever. Minuscule granules that possess no mass or energy of themselves combine to comprise all matter and energy. There was no Big Bang, Black Holes are simply tunnels in the cloud, and gravity is not a "pull," but a "push." Readers interested in quantum physics and astronomy, as well as religion and philosophy, will find Vulcz' work of particular interest.  (less)

theories of relativity and black holes, classical and quantum physics, electroweak fields and YangMills.  (less)

of the exciting topics discussed in this volume are fundamental questions about black holes and string theory, supermassive black holes, string theory and the quantum structure of space-time, AdS space-time and holography, the cosmological constant, non-commutative geometry, quantum gravity, symmetries in general relativity, recent developments in neutrino physics and astrophysical plasmas.  (less)

universe. The last decade has witnessed a phenomenal growth in this subject. This is the first attempt to collect and unify the vast literature that has contributed to this development. All the major technical results are presented, and the theory is developed carefully from first principles. Here is everything that students or researchers will need to embark upon calculations involving quantum effects of gravity at the so-called one-loop approximation level.  (less)

they have been used to test the quality of various approximation methods and numerical codes. The most powerful solution generation methods are due to the theory of Integrable Systems. In the case of axisymmetric stationary spacetimes the Einstein equations are equivalent to the completely integrable Ernst equation. In this volume the solutions to the Ernst equation associated to Riemann surfaces are studied in detail and physical and mathematical aspects of this class are discussed both analytically and numerically.  (less)