Rotating bodies; the Kerr metric

Abstract

Spacetime around a general rigidly rotating body is discussed, and the Kerr solution explored in detail. First we obtain generic properties of stationary, axisymmetric metrics. The stationary limit surface and ergoregion is defined. Then the Kerr metric is presented (without derivation) and discussed. Horizons and limit surfaces are obtained, and the overall structure of the Kerr black hole deduced. The mass and angular momentum is extracted. Equations for particle orbits are obtained, and their properties discussed.