General formalism, classification, and demystification of the current warp-drive spacetimes
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arXiv
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| Format: | Preprint |
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2026
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| _version_ | 1866912911853617152 |
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| author | Barzegar, Hamed Buchert, Thomas Vigneron, Quentin |
| author_facet | Barzegar, Hamed Buchert, Thomas Vigneron, Quentin |
| contents | We critically examine proposals for the so-called warp-drive spacetimes and classify these models based on their various restrictions within the framework of General Relativity. We then provide a summary of general formalism for each class, and in the process, we highlight some misconceptions, misunderstandings, and errors in the literature that have been used to support claims about the physicality and feasibility of these models. On the way, we prove several new no-go theorems. Our analysis shows that when the principles of General Relativity are applied correctly, most claims regarding physical warp drives must be reassessed, and it becomes highly challenging to justify or support the viability of such models, not merely due to the violation of energy conditions. |
| format | Preprint |
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arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2602_16495 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | General formalism, classification, and demystification of the current warp-drive spacetimes Barzegar, Hamed Buchert, Thomas Vigneron, Quentin General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology History and Philosophy of Physics We critically examine proposals for the so-called warp-drive spacetimes and classify these models based on their various restrictions within the framework of General Relativity. We then provide a summary of general formalism for each class, and in the process, we highlight some misconceptions, misunderstandings, and errors in the literature that have been used to support claims about the physicality and feasibility of these models. On the way, we prove several new no-go theorems. Our analysis shows that when the principles of General Relativity are applied correctly, most claims regarding physical warp drives must be reassessed, and it becomes highly challenging to justify or support the viability of such models, not merely due to the violation of energy conditions. |
| title | General formalism, classification, and demystification of the current warp-drive spacetimes |
| topic | General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology History and Philosophy of Physics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.16495 |