Using numerical relativity to model gravitational waves from binary black holes

最后的轨道和两个黑洞合并的爱因斯坦方程的数值解对于模拟来自这些系统的引力波信号至关重要，这些系统是高级LIGO和处女座引力波观测的主要来源。我们目前的数字代码允许我们模拟中等质量比的系统，以及中等自旋的黑洞。改进的数值技术、坐标条件和初始数据将使我们能够研究质量比和自旋高得多的系统。研究这些系统本身的物理特性是很有趣的，而且对于用先进的LIGO和Virgo、第三代探测器（如爱因斯坦望远镜和宇宙探索者）以及天基探测器LISA来模拟引力波天文学的一般二元波形是必不可少的。

Numerical solutions of the Einstein equations for the last orbits and merger of two black holes are essential to model the gravitational-wave signal from such systems, which are the prime source for gravitational-wave observations with Advanced LIGO and Virgo. Our current numerical codes allow us to simulate systems of moderate mass ratios, and for black holes with moderate spins. Improved numerical techniques, coordinate conditions and initial data will allow us to study systems with far higher mass ratios and spins. These systems are interesting to study for their physical properties alone, as well as being essential for modelling generic-binary waveforms for gravitational-wave astronomy with Advanced LIGO and Virgo, third-generation detectors such as Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer, and the space-based detector LISA.