Einstein Constraints and Ricci Flow: A Geometrical Averaging of Initial Data Sets

This book contains a self-consistent treatment of a geometric averaging technique, induced by the Ricci flow, that allows comparing a given (generalized) Einstein initial data set with another distinct Einstein initial data set, both supported on a given closed n-dimensional manifold.

This is a case study where two vibrant areas of research in geometric analysis, Ricci flow and Einstein constraints theory, interact in a quite remarkable way. The interaction is of great relevance for appli...