Research in Black-Hole Physics and Relativistic Astrophysics

9900672 Teukolsky一个多元化的相对论和相对论天体物理学研究计划将在康奈尔大学进行。 这项研究的一个重要组成部分是通过超级计算机模拟爱因斯坦方程的数值解。 其中一个重点是跟踪双黑洞系统的合并和合并，并计算这些过程所发射的引力波形。 另一个焦点是对双中子星星系统做同样的事情。 在完全广义相对论中处理中子星和黑洞的代码有许多共同的特征，并行开发它们是有意义的。 在开发出稳定的代码之前，仍然有重要的理论和算法问题需要解决，这些问题将得到解决。 此外，还将研究旋转中子星的稳定性和不稳定旋转恒星的命运。 这项研究的一个关键动机是，双黑洞和中子星星系统的合并是目前正在建设的引力波探测器（如LIGO）的主要目标，迫切需要可靠的波形。 了解双中子星星系统对于解决许多天体物理学难题也是至关重要的，比如伽马射线爆发的起源和双星周围的行星。 了解旋转中子星的稳定性对于确定中子星的最大质量和旋转速率，以及吸积和双星合并的自旋结果至关重要。

9900672TeukolskyA diversified program of research in relativity and relativistic astrophysics will be carried out at Cornell. A large component of the research is aimed at the numerical solution of Einstein's equations by supercomputer simulations. One focus is to track the coalescence and merger of binary black hole systems and to calculate the gravitational waveform emitted by such processes. Another focus is to do the same thing for binary neutron star systems. Codes for treating neutron stars and black holes in full general relativity share many common features, and it makes sense to develop them in parallel. There are still significant theoretical and algorithmic issues to be solved before a stable code can be developed, and these problems will be tackled. in addition, the stability of rotating neutron stars and the fate of unstable spinning stars will also be investigated. A key motivation for this research is that mergers of binary black hole and neutron star systems are primary targets for gravitational wave detectors currently under construction, such as LIGO, and there is an urgent need for reliable waveforms. Understanding binary neutron star systems may also be crucial to resolving a number of astrophysical puzzles, such as the origin of gamma-ray bursts and planets around pulsars. Understanding the stability of rotating neutron stars is crucial to determining the maximum mass and rotation rate of neutron stars, as well as the outcomes of spin-up by accretion and binary merger.