Description

This book introduces the modern field of 3+1 numerical relativity. The book has been written in a way as to be as self-contained as possible, and only assumes a basic knowledge of special relativity. Starting from a brief introduction to general relativity, it discusses the different concepts and tools necessary for the fully consistent numerical simulation of relativistic astrophysical systems, with strong and dynamical gravitational fields. Among the topics discussed in detail are the following; the initial data problem, hyperbolic reductions of the field equations, guage conditions, the evolution of black hole space-times, relativistic hydrodynamics, gravitational wave extraction and numerical methods. There is also a final chapter with examples of some simple numerical space-times. The book is aimed at both graduate students and researchers in physics and astrophysics, and at those interested in relativistic astrophysics.

Features

• Self-contained and comprehensive introduction to the field of numerical relativity.
• Discusses recent developments in the field, including simulation of black hole space-times.
• Outlines several alternative formulations of the evolution equations.
• Includes an introduction to relativistic hydrodynamics for non-experts.
• Describes techniques to extract gravitational wave information from numerical simulation with applications to gravitational wave detection.

Reviews

UNEDITED UK REVIEW: "Numerical relativity has had many successes in the past few years, which is very timely with the major gravitational wave detectors collecting data. It is a good time for such a book, and the balance and coverage of the book are very good."--Ian Hawke, University of Southampton

"An excellent book and would be a good starting point for those making an effort to enter the field."--Mathematical Reviews

Product Details

448 pages; 68 line drawings; ISBN13: 978-0-19-920567-7ISBN10: 0-19-920567-1

About the Author(s)