Related papers: On the Circular Orbit Approximation for Binary Com…
We use post-Newtonian (PN) approximations to determine the initial orbital and spin parameters of black hole binaries that lead to low-eccentricity inspirals when evolved with numerical relativity techniques. In particular, we seek initial…
We present a new approach to the problem of binary black holes in the pre-coalescence stage, i.e. when the notion of orbit has still some meaning. Contrary to previous numerical treatments which are based on the initial value formulation of…
We study a simple analytic solution to Einstein's field equations describing a thin spherical shell consisting of collisionless particles in circular orbit. We then apply two independent criteria for the identification of circular orbits,…
We perform several black-hole binary evolutions using fully nonlinear numerical relativity techniques at separations large enough that low-order post-Newtonian expansions are expected to be accurate. As a case study, we evolve an equal-mass…
We make a comparison between results from numerically generated, quasi-equilibrium configurations of compact binary systems of black holes in close orbits, and results from the post-Newtonian approximation. The post-Newtonian results are…
Given the absence of observations of black hole binaries, it is critical that the full range of accessible parameter space be explored in anticipation of future observation with gravitational wave detectors. To this end, we compile the…
The capture of compact bodies by black holes in galactic nuclei is an important prospective source for low frequency gravitational wave detectors, such as the planned Laser Interferometer Space Antenna. This paper calculates, using a…
Binary black hole simulations starting from quasi-circular (i.e., zero radial velocity) initial data have orbits with small but non-zero orbital eccentricities. In this paper the quasi-equilibrium initial-data method is extended to allow…
We present the first results from a new method for computing spacetimes representing corotating binary black holes in circular orbits. The method is based on the assumption of exact equilibrium. It uses the standard 3+1 decomposition of…
To be observed and analyzed by the network of current gravitational wave detectors (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA), and in anticipation of future third generation ground based (Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer) and space borne (LISA) detectors,…
We compare different methods of computing the orbital eccentricity of quasi-circular binary black hole systems using the orbital variables and gravitational wave phase and frequency. For eccentricities of about a per cent, most methods work…
The extreme conditions found near black holes and neutron stars provide a unique opportunity for testing physical theories. Observations of both types of compact objects can be used to probe regions of strong gravity, allowing for tests of…
Using equations of motion accurate to the third post-Newtonian (3PN) order (O(v/c)^6 beyond Newtonian gravity), we derive expressions for the total energy E and angular momentum J of the orbits of compact binary systems (black holes or…
Compact binary systems coalesce over time due to the radiation of gravitational waves, following the field equations of general relativity. Conservation of energy and angular momentum gives a mathematical description for the evolution of…
The equations of motion of two point masses have recently been derived at the 3PN approximation of general relativity. From that work we determine the location of the innermost circular orbit or ICO, defined by the minimum of the binary's…
The gravitational radiation backreaction effects are considered in the Lense-Thirring approximation. New methods for parameterizing the orbit and for averaging the instantaneous radiative losses are developed. To first order in the spin S…
While the orbital eccentricity is a key feature of the gravitational two-body problem, providing an unambiguous definition in general relativity poses significant challenges. Despite such foundational issue, the eccentricity of binary black…
Can one distinguish a binary black hole undergoing a merger from a binary neutron star if the individual compact companions have masses that fall inside the so-called mass gap of $3-5\ M_\odot$? For neutron stars, achieving such masses…
We have investigated, both analytically and numerically, accreting supermassive black hole binaries as they inspiral due to gravitational radiation to elucidate the decoupling of binaries from their disks and inform future multi-messenger…
Reliable predictions of general relativity theory are extracted using approximation methods. Among these, the powerful post-Newtonian approximation provides us with our best insights into the problems of motion and gravitational radiation…