Examining gravitational collapse with test scalar fields

TL;DR

This paper uses numerical simulations of a test scalar field in a collapsing spacetime to explore singularity behavior, confirming the BKL conjecture in an asymptotically flat context.

Contribution

First numerical confirmation of the BKL conjecture for an asymptotically flat spacetime using test scalar fields during gravitational collapse.

Findings

Scalar field behavior near singularity analyzed

Confirmation of BKL conjecture in flat spacetime

Implications for understanding generic singularities

Abstract

Numerical simulations are performed of a test scalar field in a spacetime undergoing gravitational collapse. The behavior of the scalar field near the singularity is examined and implications for generic singularities are discussed. In particular, our example is the first confirmation of the BKL conjecture for an asymptotically flat spacetime.