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    Frozen-In Gravitational Fields

    Felipe A. Asenjo1,*, Maricarmen A. Winkler1,†, and Luca Comisso2,3,4,‡

    • *Contact author: felipe.asenjo@uai.cl
    • †Contact author: maricarmen.winkler@edu.uai.cl
    • ‡Contact author: luca.comisso@columbia.edu

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 161401 – Published 22 April, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6c4q-kx6f

    Abstract

    Spacetime can undergo complex nonlinear evolution, as governed by the Einstein field equations, and a central challenge is to understand the geometric structures that arise, persist, and interact throughout its evolution. Using a formulation of Einstein equations that parallels nonlinear electrodynamics of continuous media, we show that general relativity admits gravitational field connections—two-surfaces and associated field lines whose connectivity is maintained by the spacetime dynamics. This gravitational frozen-in behavior is enabled by an ideal Ohm-type condition for the gravitational field. We further show that the same framework naturally leads to a conserved “gravitational magnetic” flux. A conserved gravitational helicity also emerges, with a clear topological interpretation in terms of gravitational field-line structures. These results identify well-defined topological constraints on admissible spacetime evolution and provide an organizing principle underlying the nonlinear dynamics of spacetime.

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