Einstein 's gravitational theory predicts that accelerated masses produce gravitational waves, analogous to the way charges produce electromagnetic waves. Large scale gravitational wave detectors, sensitive enough to observe waves from distant galaxies, are coming into operation. The complexity of Einstein's equations requires computer simulations to predict the gravitational waves produced by realistic astrophysical sources such as compact binary systems a black hole and neutron stars.

The major goal of this project is to advance our knowledge in obtaining numerical implementations of Einstein equations and applying these to physically relevant scenarios. The project will explore unresolved issues for approaches using both space-like and light-like initial data especially those which have prevented robust implementations. The first step will be to develop a robust simulation capable of dealing with a generic single black hole interacting with scalar fields. This will serve as test cases for binary black hole systems and black hole-neutron star systems to be implemented subsequently.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Physics (PHY)
Application #
0244699
Program Officer
Beverly K. Berger
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2003-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$180,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Baton Rouge
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70803