Numerical Relativity
نویسندگان
چکیده
Solutions to Einstein’s equations of general relativity describe, among other things, the generation and propagation of gravitational waves. Interest in numerical relativity has been bolstered by the recent construction of gravitational wave observatories such as LIGO (the Laser Interferometric Gravitational-wave Observatory). This NSF-supported project consists of two observatories (near Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana) that began collecting data in September 2002. Astronomy has been revolutionized in the past by developing the ability to observe electromagnetic radiation in new wavelength regimes (e.g., by X-ray and radio telescopes). Similarly, if successful, the development of gravitational-wave observatories will surely lead to many new surprises. However, gravitational waves reaching earth are incredibly weak and have yet to be directly detected. Being able to predict the gravitational wave signature of various possible events would help interpret any data received and separate the weak signal from noise. Numerical relativity shares many features with other computational sciences involving systems of partial differential equations, such as computational fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and optics. Many of the techniques developed to overcome computational difficulties in these areas are relevant to solving the Einstein equations as well. However, numerical relativity has challenges and complexities that often make it difficult to apply standard techniques directly and may require the development of new methodologies in applied and computational mathematics. The Einstein equations can be written in the deceptively simple tensor form
منابع مشابه
On the Relation between Mathematical and Numerical Relativity
The large scale binary black hole effort in numerical relativity has led to an increasing distinction between numerical and mathematical relativity. This note discusses this situation and gives some examples of succesful interactions between numerical and mathematical methods is general relativ-
متن کاملNumerical modeling of black holes as sources of gravitational waves in a nutshell
These notes summarize basic concepts underlying numerical relativity and in particular the numerical modeling of black hole dynamics as a source of gravitational waves. Main topics are the 3+1 decomposition of general relativity, the concept of a well-posed initial value problem, the construction of initial data for general relativity, trapped surfaces and gravitational waves. Also, a brief sum...
متن کاملVistas in Numerical Relativity
Upcoming gravitational wave-experiments promise a window for discovering new physics in astronomy. Detection sensitivity of the broadband laser interferomet-ric detectors LIGO/VIRGO may be enhanced by matched filtering with accurate wave-form templates. Where analytic methods break down, we have to resort to numerical relativity, often in Hamiltonian or various hyperbolic formulations. Well-pos...
متن کاملThe Current Status of Binary Black Hole Simulations in Numerical Relativity
Since the breakthroughs in 2005 which have led to long term stable solutions of the binary black hole problem in numerical relativity, much progress has been made. I present here a short summary of the state of the field, including the capabilities of numerical relativity codes, recent physical results obtained from simulations, and improvements to the methods used to evolve and analyse binary ...
متن کاملNumerical Relativity: A review
Computer simulations are enabling researchers to investigate systems which are extremely difficult to handle analytically. In the particular case of General Relativity, numerical models have proved extremely valuable for investigations of strong field scenarios and been crucial to reveal unexpected phenomena. Considerable efforts are being spent to simulate astrophysically relevant simulations,...
متن کامل