English

First Law of Mechanics for Compact Binaries on Eccentric Orbits

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2015-10-13 v2

Abstract

Using the canonical Arnowitt-Deser-Misner Hamiltonian formalism, a "first law of mechanics" is established for binary systems of point masses moving along generic stable bound (eccentric) orbits. This relationship is checked to hold within the post-Newtonian approximation to general relativity, up to third (3PN) order. Several applications are discussed, including the use of gravitational self-force results to inform post-Newtonian theory and the effective one-body model for eccentric-orbit compact binaries.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1506.05648,
  title  = {First Law of Mechanics for Compact Binaries on Eccentric Orbits},
  author = {Alexandre Le Tiec},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1506.05648},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

26 pages; matches published version