Difference between Time Loops and Closed Timelike Curves?

[MegaDestructor]

I was wondering what's the difference between

 

1) Time Loops that appear in movies (eg. Groundhog Day)

 

2) Closed Timelike Curves

 

Thanks for reading.

[studiot]

In order to have a loop you require a continuum that can contain such a loop.

 

Closed timelike curves can occur in the geometry of spacetime, which is the continuum in which timelike curves of any description occur.

 

You do not therefore need extra dimensions.

 

 

For a continuum with one totally independent time dimension, there are not enough dimensions to accomodate loops.

So you would have to postulate a continuum with additional dimension(s).

 

 

This is just the geometry.

 

 

In order for an inhabitant of either conintuum to traverse the loop you would also need an equation of motion that included the loop in its solutions.

Edited June 26, 2017 by studiot