Approaches To Numerical Relativity

This book introduces the modern field of 3+1 numerical relativity. The book has been written in a way as to be as self-contained as possible, and only assumes a basic knowledge of special relativity. Starting from a brief introduction to general relativity, it discusses the different concepts and tools necessary for the fully consistent numerical simulation of relativistic astrophysical systems, with strong and dynamical gravitational fields. Among the topics discussed in detail are the following: the initial data problem, hyperbolic reductions of the field equations, gauge conditions, the evolution of black hole space-times, relativistic hydrodynamics, gravitational wave extraction and numerical methods. There is also a final chapter with examples of some simple numerical space-times. The book is aimed at both graduate students and researchers in physics and astrophysics, and at those interested in relativistic astrophysics.

"This book is composed of two parts: First part describes basics in numerical relativity, that is, the formulations and methods for a solution of Einstein's equation and general relativistic matter field equations. This part will be helpful for beginners of numerical relativity who would like to understand the content of numerical relativity and its background. The second part focuses on the application of numerical relativity. A wide variety of scientific numerical results are introduced focusing in particular on the merger of binary neutron stars and black holes."--

Spurred by the current development of numerous large-scale projects for detecting gravitational radiation, with the aim to open a completely new window to the observable Universe, numerical relativity has become a major field of research over the past years. Indeed, numerical relativity is the standard approach when studying potential sources of gravitational waves, where strong fields and relativistic velocities are part of any physical scenario. This book can be considered a primer for both graduate students and non-specialist researchers wishing to enter the field. Starting from the most basic insights and aspects of numerical relativity, Elements of Numerical Relativity develops coherent guidelines for the reliable and convenient selection of each of the following key aspects: evolution formalism, gauge, initial and boundary conditions as well as various numerical algorithms. The tests and applications proposed in this book can be performed on a standard PC.

' This book is composed of two parts: First part describes basics in numerical relativity, that is, the formulations and methods for a solution of Einstein''s equation and general relativistic matter field equations. This part will be helpful for beginners of numerical relativity who would like to understand the content of numerical relativity and its background. The second part focuses on the application of numerical relativity. A wide variety of scientific numerical results are introduced focusing in particular on the merger of binary neutron stars and black holes. Contents:Preliminaries for Numerical RelativityMethodology:Formulation for Initial-Value Problems of General RelativityNumerical Methods for a Solution of Einstein''s Evolution EquationMatter Equations in General RelativityFormulations for Initial Data, Equilibrium, and Quasi-EquilibriumExtracting Gravitational WavesFinding Black HolesApplications:Coalescence of Binary Compact ObjectsGravitational Collapse to a Black HoleNon-Radial Instability and Magnetohydrodynamics InstabilityHigher-Dimensional SimulationsConclusionAppendices:Killing Vector and Frobenius'' TheoremNumerical Relativity in Spherical SymmetryDecomposition by Spherical HarmonicsLagrangian and Hamiltonian Formulations of General RelativitySolutions of Riemann Problems in Special Relativistic HydrodynamicsLandau–Lifshitz Pseudo TensorLaws of Black Hole and Apparent HorizonPost–Newtonian Results for Coalescing Compact Binaries Readership: This book is suitable for advanced ungraduate students, postgraduate students and researchers who are interested in numerical relativity. Keywords:Numerical Relativity;Black Hole;Neutron Star;Gravitational Waves'

Aimed at students and researchers entering the field, this pedagogical introduction to numerical relativity will also interest scientists seeking a broad survey of its challenges and achievements. Assuming only a basic knowledge of classical general relativity, the book develops the mathematical formalism from first principles, and then highlights some of the pioneering simulations involving black holes and neutron stars, gravitational collapse and gravitational waves. The book contains 300 exercises to help readers master new material as it is presented. Numerous illustrations, many in color, assist in visualizing new geometric concepts and highlighting the results of computer simulations. Summary boxes encapsulate some of the most important results for quick reference. Applications covered include calculations of coalescing binary black holes and binary neutron stars, rotating stars, colliding star clusters, gravitational and magnetorotational collapse, critical phenomena, the generation of gravitational waves, and other topics of current physical and astrophysical significance.

General relativity ranks among the most accurately tested fundamental theories in all of physics. Deficiencies in mathematical and conceptual understanding still exist, hampering further progress. This book collects surveys by experts in mathematical relativity writing about the current status of, and problems in, their fields. There are four contributions for each of the following mathematical areas: differential geometry and differential topology, analytical methods and differential equations, and numerical methods.

A pedagogical and accessible introduction to numerical relativity, the key tool to model gravitational waves and black hole mergers.