THE NEWTONIAN LIMIT IN A MODEL PROBLEM

The Newtonian limit of solutions of a model problem is studied. It is shown that under certain assumptions on the initial data relativistic solutions approach a Newtonian solution as the speed of light tends to infinity. The model problem, although having a much simpler structure than the ''real'' equations, shows many of the typical problems arisi ng in the discussion of the Newtonian limit. The method of characteris tics is applied and its limitation discussed.