Bradley James

Abstract

In order to perform an evolutionary calculation in General Relativity, accurate initial data is needed. A pseudospectral numerical method to solve both linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations is introduced. We then calculate solutions to the Hamiltonian and momentum constraints for a binary black hole system utilizing such a pseudospectral method. The error resulting from the implementation is discussed at three locations in space: near the black holes, far from the black holes, and in between. A method to mimic mesh refinement through appropriate coordinate transforms is introduced with the result of lowering the maximum error in the system.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Black holes (Astronomy)--Mathematical models; Double stars--Mathematical models; Differential equations--Numerical solutions; Spectral theory (Mathematics); General relativity (Physics)

Publication Date

6-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Mathematical Sciences (COS)

Advisor

Faber, Joshua

Advisor/Committee Member

Hoffman, Matthew

Advisor/Committee Member

Whelan, John

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QB843.B55 J36 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ACMTH-MS

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