Numerical relativity and compact binaries

2002/11/07 by Thomas W. Baumgarte, Stuart L. Shapiro · 2 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomy #Astrophysics #Binary black hole #Binary number #Black hole (networking) #Classical mechanics #Coalescence (physics) #Computer science #Einstein #General relativity #Gravitational wave #Introduction to the mathematics of general relativity #Neutron star #Numerical relativity #Physics #Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research #Seismic Imaging and Inversion Techniques #Seismic Waves and Analysis #Theoretical physics #Theory of relativity #Two-body problem in general relativity #astro-ph #gr-qc #hep-ph

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/s0370-1573(02)00537-9

published as Phys.Rept.376:41-131,2003 · 122 pages, 19 figures; review article to appear in Physics Reports

arxiv created 2002/11/07 · openalex publication_date 2003/02/28 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06

Abstract

Numerical relativity is the most promising tool for theoretically modeling the inspiral and coalescence of neutron star and black hole binaries, which, in turn, are among the most promising sources of gravitational radiation for future detection by gravitational wave observatories. In this article we review numerical relativity approaches to modeling compact binaries. Starting with a brief introduction to the 3+1 decomposition of Einstein's equations, we discuss important components of numerical relativity, including the initial data problem, reformulations of Einstein's equations, coordinate conditions, and strategies for locating and handling black holes on numerical grids. We focus on those approaches which currently seem most relevant for the compact binary problem. We then outline how these methods are used to model binary neutron stars and black holes, and review the current status of inspiral and coalescence simulations.

Citations

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Cited by

• Formalism for the construction of binary neutron stars with arbitrary circulation
• Generalized harmonic formulation in spherical symmetry