Abstract

This work includes a series of analytical projects aimed at providing accurate initial data parameters for full Numerical Relativity evolutions of binary black holes (BBH), allow the evolution of multiple black hole systems, and the interpretation and modeling of high- energy collision of black holes. We first describe how to obtain accurate initial data for the evolution of BBH by extending the determination of quasi-circular orbital parameters described in [1] to 3.5PN, and by incorporating the small mass ratio limit by explicitly including the Schwarzschild and Kerr limits [2]. We then focus on eccentric binary black hole systems, developing a new estimation method for their eccentricity based on post-Newtonian (PN) theory, introducing the fractional parameter f to quantify the change of tangential momenta relative to the corresponding quasi-circular one at the initial turning points of the orbit. In the third project, we study initial data for triple black hole systems in a hierarchical system of three black holes, as one of the main candidates to explain non negligible residual eccentricity in late stages of the inspiral. Specifically, we extend the method described in [3, 4] to second order to solve the Hamiltonian constraint equation of the transverse and conformally flat initial data problem in General Relativity. This method is then applied to compute approximate initial data for the evolution of triple black hole systems [5]. Lastly, in the fourth project [6], we employ the Zero Frequency Limit (ZFL) expansion to semi-analytically model the energy and angular momentum radiated during the merger of high-energy-collisions of binary black boles as a function of their impact parameter and initial relativistic momenta. We thus stress the relevance of combining analytic with full numerical methods to study the dynamics of black holes in astrophysical scenarios and beyond.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Black holes (Astronomy)--Research; Double stars; Stars--Evolution

Publication Date

5-30-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (Ph.D.)

Department, Program, or Center

Physics and Astronomy, School of

College

College of Science

Advisor

Carlos O. Lousto

Advisor/Committee Member

Nathan Cahill

Advisor/Committee Member

Yosef Zlochower

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ASTP-PHD

Download

Share

COinS