Real centrifugal forces in relativistic rotating spacetimes: a simple introduction

During typical general relativity courses, the so-called frame-dragging effect is explained by emphasizing the presence of a gravitational Coriolis-like force term. The key difference is that, unlike the usual Coriolis force, this is not a fictitious force but agravitational force caused by the rotating body. In general, textbooks do not discuss also the possibility of a gravitational centrifugal-like force. In this paper, which has a didactic aim, we analyze this further gravitational term. The analysis we perform can be valuable in undergraduate courses of general relativity.

Automated summary

During general relativity courses, the frame-dragging effect is explained by emphasizing the presence of a gravitational Coriolis-like force term. However, textbooks often neglect the possibility of a gravitational centrifugal-like force. This paper aims to analyze this additional gravitational term, providing valuable insights for undergraduate courses on general relativity.