Tidal dynamics in Kerr spacetime

The motion of free nearby test particles relative to a stable equatorial circular geodesic orbit about a Kerr source is investigated. It is shown that the nonlinear generalized Jacobi equation can be transformed in this case to an autonomous form. Tidal dynamics beyond the critical speed c/root 2 is studied. We show, in particular, that a free test particle vertically launched from the circular orbit parallel or antiparallel to the Kerr rotation axis is tidally accelerated if its initial relative speed exceeds c/root 2. Possible applications of our results to high-energy astrophysics are briefly mentioned.