Junction conditions and local spacetimes in general relativity

In the present work, a theoretical framework focussing on local geometric deformations is introduced in order to cope with the problem of how to join spacetimes with different geometries and physical properties. This framework is used to show that two Lorentzian manifolds can be matched by considering local deformations of the associated spacetime metrics. Based on the fact that metrics can be suitably matched in this way, it is shown that the underlying geometric approach allows the characterization of local spacetimes in general relativity. Furthermore, it is shown that said approach not only extends the conventional thin shell formalism, but also allows the treatment of geometric problems that cannot be treated with standard gluing techniques.