Challenges in the nonlinear evolution of unequal mass binaries in sGB gravity

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Saló, Llibert Aresté, Doneva, Daniela D., Clough, Katy, Figueras, Pau, Yazadjiev, Stoytcho S.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Saló, Llibert Aresté
Doneva, Daniela D.
Clough, Katy
Figueras, Pau
Yazadjiev, Stoytcho S.
author_facet Saló, Llibert Aresté
Doneva, Daniela D.
Clough, Katy
Figueras, Pau
Yazadjiev, Stoytcho S.
contents It has only recently become possible to simulate the full nonlinear dynamics of binary black holes in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theories of gravity. The simulations remain technically challenging and evolutions of unequal mass binaries in particular have been difficult to follow through the merger. Even when the merger is successful, accurately quantifying the physical dephasing, as opposed to contributions from transients in the initial data and gauge adjustments, remains difficult. We show the first full simulations of 2:1 and 3:1 binaries through merger, and we discuss how specific choices in the setup affect the dephasing observed and our ability to obtain reliable results. In cases with weaker couplings, we match the expected PN value for the dephasing, whereas for larger couplings, eccentricity introduced by the initial data transients can lead to artificial deviations. Our work highlights the need for improvements in the initial data methods used, to ensure reliable waveforms are obtained for data analysis in beyond-GR models.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_13046
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Challenges in the nonlinear evolution of unequal mass binaries in sGB gravity
Saló, Llibert Aresté
Doneva, Daniela D.
Clough, Katy
Figueras, Pau
Yazadjiev, Stoytcho S.
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
It has only recently become possible to simulate the full nonlinear dynamics of binary black holes in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theories of gravity. The simulations remain technically challenging and evolutions of unequal mass binaries in particular have been difficult to follow through the merger. Even when the merger is successful, accurately quantifying the physical dephasing, as opposed to contributions from transients in the initial data and gauge adjustments, remains difficult. We show the first full simulations of 2:1 and 3:1 binaries through merger, and we discuss how specific choices in the setup affect the dephasing observed and our ability to obtain reliable results. In cases with weaker couplings, we match the expected PN value for the dephasing, whereas for larger couplings, eccentricity introduced by the initial data transients can lead to artificial deviations. Our work highlights the need for improvements in the initial data methods used, to ensure reliable waveforms are obtained for data analysis in beyond-GR models.
title Challenges in the nonlinear evolution of unequal mass binaries in sGB gravity
topic General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.13046