Because nonlinear gravity and hydrodynamics play a crucial role, numerical-relativity simulations are necessary to understand accurately the merger stage of compact binary coalescences. In general relativity, valid initial data have to satisfy Hamiltonian and momentum constraints (reminiscent of divergence equations in Maxwell theory). Furthermore, astrophysically realistic time-evolution simulations can be performed only with astrophysically realistic initial data. These facts require us to solve constraint equations imposing realistic conditions. In this seminar, I will review the method to derive desirable initial data of compact object binaries for numerical relativity with a blackboad.
References:
E. Gourgoulhon [gr-qc/0703035] (review)