Gravitational Waves and Frame-Dragging

In summary, the Lens-Thirring effect, also known as Frame-Dragging, does not produce gravitational waves. It can only be detected through its effects on objects such as gyroscopes launched into space. Asymmetric rotating objects may have other telltale signs, but they are not related to gravitational waves. The Gravity Probe B experiment is the most well-known demonstration of the effect.
  • #1
sanman
745
24
I'd like to ask whether the Lens-Thirring effect, which is also known as Frame-Dragging, produces any kind of Gravitational Waves which might be detectable by a detector more sensitive than LIGO.

There was of course the Gravity Probe B experiment not too long ago, which saw gyroscopes launched into space to measure the Lens-Thirring effect. But I'd like to know whether the rotation of large masses associated with Frame-Dragging can produce any other telltale signs which might be detected via a sufficiently sensitive interferometer.

If so, then how sensitive would such an interferometer have to be?
 
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  • #2
No. The effect is present for spherical symmetric objects that rotate, those do not emit gravitational waves.
Asymmetric rotating objects can have both effects at the same time, but even then they are not related.
 
  • #3
Lense Thirring:
telltale signs...
"This also means that light traveling in the direction of rotation of the object will move past the massive object faster than light moving against the rotation, as seen by a distant observer. It is now the best known frame-dragging effect, partly thanks to the Gravity Probe B experiment."

Some other effects noted here:
satellites...accretion disks...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lense–Thirring_precession
 

Related to Gravitational Waves and Frame-Dragging

What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time caused by the acceleration of massive objects. They were first predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

How are gravitational waves detected?

Gravitational waves can be detected using specialized instruments called interferometers. These instruments measure tiny changes in distance caused by the passing of a gravitational wave.

What is frame-dragging?

Frame-dragging, also known as the Lense-Thirring effect, is the phenomenon in which a rotating mass drags the surrounding space-time along with it. This effect is predicted by general relativity and has been observed in the orbit of Mercury around the sun.

What are the potential applications of gravitational wave research?

Gravitational wave research has the potential to improve our understanding of the universe and its origins. It can also be used to study the properties of black holes and other extreme objects in space.

How do gravitational waves and frame-dragging impact our daily lives?

Gravitational waves and frame-dragging have a very small impact on our daily lives. However, the technology used to detect and study these phenomena has led to advancements in the field of precision measurement and could potentially have practical applications in the future.

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