Gyroscopic precession and inertial forces in the Kerr-Newman spacetime

Abstract

The phenomenon of gyroscopic precession in the Kerr-Newman spacetime is studied using the Frenet-Serret formalism. General formulae are obtained for circular quasi-Killing trajectories. The motion on the equatorial plane and along the geodesics are investigated as special cases. Expressions are obtained for the general relativistic analogues of inertial forces such as gravitational, Coriolis - Lense - Thirring and centrifugal forces in the Kerr-Newman spacetime. Reversal of gyroscopic precession and the centrifugal force is considered on the equatorial plane. These phenomena are also examined in the Reissner-Nordström spacetime by setting the angular parameter equal to zero. In this case, the Coriolis force vanishes identically and both gyroscopic precession and the centrifugal force reverse at the circular photon orbit.