HLRB Project h0151
Binary black hole inspiral and merger simulations
Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik
Proposing Institution
Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik
Project Manager
Dr. Denis Pollney
Am Mühlenberg 1
14476 Potsdam
Abstract
The AEI numerical relativity group has an ongoing programme ofstudying binary black hole systems during the late orbit andmerger phase, using computer simulations in full general relativity.It is in this regime where nonlinear effects of the Einsteinequations must be modelled with particular accuracy, and alsothis regime which is of most interest to gravitational waveastronomy, as it the strongest source of observable signals.The proposed project will study the interaction of binaryblack holes in the strong field region, exploring the physicalparameter space in terms of mass ratio, spin, and eccentricityof the orbiting bodies. The aim of the simulations is to determineaccurate estimates of physical effects, such as recoil velocitiesof the final black holes. Variations in the gravitationalwaveforms under changes of parameter will also determine thesize of the required waveform template bank and sensitivity ofdata analysis methods used by gravitational waveobservatories, such as the GEO600 detector at Hannover.
