Numerical Relativity and the Discovery of Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper reviews the 50-year progress in numerical relativity, which has enabled precise solutions to Einstein's equations crucial for detecting and understanding gravitational waves.

Contribution

It provides an accessible overview of the major developments in numerical relativity that have advanced gravitational wave physics.

Findings

Development of reliable numerical simulation techniques

Enhanced computational capabilities for solving Einstein's equations

Critical role of numerical relativity in gravitational wave discovery

Abstract

Solving Einstein's equations precisely for strong-field gravitational systems is essential to determining the full physics content of gravitational wave detections. Without these solutions it is not possible to infer precise values for initial and final-state system parameters. Obtaining these solutions requires extensive numerical simulations, as Einstein's equations governing these systems are much too difficult to solve analytically. These difficulties arise principally from the curved, non-linear nature of spacetime in general relativity. Developing the numerical capabilities needed to produce reliable, efficient calculations has required a Herculean 50-year effort involving hundreds of researchers using sophisticated physical insight, algorithm development, computational technique and computers that are a billion times more capable than they were in 1964 when computations were first attempted. My purpose is to give an accessible overview for non-experts of the major developments that have made such dramatic progress possible.