Theoretical and Numerical investigations in classical and quantum gravity

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports several lines of investigation in classical and quantum general relativity with a common thread of numerical techniques. The particular focus will include the stability of the solution obtained from the numerical evolution of the Einstein equations when the constraints are violated, the study of initial conditions appropriate for numerical simulation of a binary system consisting of a neutron star and a black hole, and the implementation of a consistent discretization approach to quantum gravity. Some of these studies and the techniques developed through them will allow accurate simulation of astrophysical sources of gravitational radiation for ground-based and space-based gravitational wave detectors now operating or under study. In addition, a complete, consistent approach to quantum gravity remains one of the most important unsolved problems in fundamental physics.