Hydrodynamic Calculations of Coalescing Compact Binaries

超级计算机模拟紧凑双星的最终合并和合并将使用PI和他的学生开发的新的3D相对论流体动力学计算机代码进行。特别是，第一个3D相对论计算中子星星的潮汐分裂的黑洞在一个紧密的双系统将使用此代码。在这些紧凑的双星合并事件期间发射的引力波信号将作为模拟的一部分自洽地计算。包含致密恒星的合并双星系统是当前激光干涉仪探测器（如LIGO）最重要的引力辐射源之一。引力波源的理论研究对于解释干涉仪收集的数据以及规划未来更先进的探测器至关重要。新的流体动力学计算包含一个中子星星在轨道上围绕黑洞将代表一个显着的改进，比以前更近似的处理。对合并的致密双星的研究对于天体物理学中许多其他当前非常感兴趣的问题是重要的，例如伽马射线爆发的起源和星系中重元素的产生。PI开发的三维相对论流体动力学程序是一个通用的工具，它将有助于研究涉及相对论恒星和流体的许多其他问题。计划利用附近芝加哥阿德勒天文馆和天文博物馆的资源开展公众宣传活动，并向公众宣传爱因斯坦的广义相对论和引力波天文学的巨大发现潜力。

Supercomputer simulations of the final coalescence and merger of compact binary stars will be performed using a new 3D relativistic hydrodynamic computer code developed by the PI and his students. In particular, the first 3D relativistic calculations of the tidal disruption of a neutron star by a black hole in a close binary system will be performed using this code. The gravitational wave signals emitted during these compact binary merger events will be computed self-consistently as part of the simulations. The dependence of the signals on the properties of the nuclear fluid will be studied systematically.Coalescing binary systems containing compact stars are among the most important sources of gravitational radiation for current laser interferometer detectors such as LIGO. The theoretical study of gravitational wave sources is crucial for the interpretation of data to be collected by the interferometers, and for the planning of future, more advanced detectors. The new hydrodynamic calculations for binaries containing a neutron star in orbit around a black hole will represent asignificant improvement over previous, more approximate treatments. The study of coalescing compact binaries is important for many other problems of great current interest in astrophysics, such as the origin of gamma-ray bursts, and the production of heavy elements in galaxies. The 3Drelativistic hydrodynamics code developed by the PI is a general tool, which will be useful for studying many other problems involving relativistic stars and fluids. Public outreach activities are planned that will take advantage of the resources of the nearby Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum in Chicago and will educate the public about Einstein's theory of General Relativity and the great discovery potential of gravitational wave astronomy.