Compact binary systems in scalar-tensor gravity: Equations of motion to 2.5 post-Newtonian order

TL;DR

This paper derives the equations of motion for non-spinning compact objects in scalar-tensor gravity up to 2.5 post-Newtonian order, revealing deviations from general relativity in mixed systems due to dipole radiation.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed 2.5 post-Newtonian order equations of motion in scalar-tensor theories, including gravitational radiation reaction effects.

Findings

Binary black hole motion matches general relativity up to 2.5PN.

Deviations in mixed systems start at 1.5PN due to dipole radiation.

Deviations depend on scalar-tensor coupling and neutron star structure.

Abstract

We calculate the explicit equations of motion for non-spinning compact objects to 2.5 post-Newtonian order, or O(v/c)^5 beyond Newtonian gravity, in a general class of scalar-tensor theories of gravity. We use the formalism of the Direct Integration of the Relaxed Einstein Equations (DIRE), adapted to scalar-tensor theory, coupled with an approach pioneered by Eardley for incorporating the internal gravity of compact, self-gravitating bodies. For the conservative part of the motion, we obtain the two-body Lagrangian and conserved energy and momentum through second post-Newtonian order. We find the 1.5 post-Newtonian and 2.5 post-Newtonian contributions to gravitational radiation reaction, the former corresponding to the effects of dipole gravitational radiation, and verify that the resulting energy loss agrees with earlier calculations of the energy flux. For binary black holes we show that the motion through 2.5 post-Newtonian order is observationally identical to that predicted by general relativity. For mixed black-hole neutron-star binary systems, the motion is identical to that in general relativity through the first post-Newtonian order, but deviates from general relativity beginning at 1.5 post-Newtonian order, in part through the onset of dipole gravitational radiation. But through 2.5 post-Newtonian order, those deviations in the motion of a mixed system are governed by a single parameter dependent only upon the scalar-tensor coupling constant and the structure of the neutron star, and are formally the same for a general class of scalar-tensor theories as they are for pure Brans-Dicke theory.