Connecting Numerical Relativity and Data Analysis of Gravitational Wave Detectors

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state of numerical relativity modeling of black hole mergers and discusses their importance for analyzing gravitational wave data from detectors.

Contribution

It connects advances in numerical relativity with data analysis techniques for gravitational wave detection, highlighting recent progress and future implications.

Findings

Improved models of black hole mergers for gravitational wave prediction

Enhanced data analysis methods for gravitational wave signals

Insights into the astrophysical information from gravitational wave observations

Abstract

Gravitational waves deliver information in exquisite detail about astrophysical phenomena, among them the collision of two black holes, a system completely invisible to the eyes of electromagnetic telescopes. Models that predict gravitational wave signals from likely sources are crucial for the success of this endeavor. Modeling binary black hole sources of gravitational radiation requires solving the Eintein equations of General Relativity using powerful computer hardware and sophisticated numerical algorithms. This proceeding presents where we are in understanding ground-based gravitational waves resulting from the merger of black holes and the implications of these sources for the advent of gravitational-wave astronomy.