On symmetries and exact solutions of the Einstein–Maxwell field equations via the symmetry approach

Using the Lie symmetry approach, we have examined herein the system of partial differential equations corresponding to the Einstein–Maxwell equations for a static axially symmetric spacetime. The method used reduces the system of partial differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations according to the Lie symmetry admitted. In particular, we found the relevant system of ordinary differential equations is all optimal subgroups. The system of ordinary differential equations is further solved in general to obtain exact solutions. Several new physically important families of exact solutions are derived.