The inspiral and merger of binary black holes are expected to be among the most promising sources of gravitational
wave emission that could be observed by up-and-coming
gravitational wave detectors, such as LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational
wave Observatory). However, to fully realize the tremendous potential
of these detectors to explore the universe via the gravitational wave
spectrum requires a thorough knowledge of the nature of the waves
emitted by expected sources, which requires that we
solve the field equations of general relativity for the systems
of interest. A full solution to the binary black hole problem
still eludes researches, and it is thought that only a numerical
solution of the field equations can provide the answers
during the highly dynamical and non-linear final stages of a merger.
In this talk I will describe my current research effort toward
the simulation of binary systems. Specifically, I will discuss
an evolution code based on generalized harmonic coordinates,
and present some early merger results.
Copyright. All Rights Reserved.