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arXiv · 2312.01636

Comparing numerical relativity and perturbation theory waveforms for a non-spinning equal-mass binary

Tousif Islam·Scott E. Field·Gaurav Khanna
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Abstract

Past studies have empirically demonstrated a surprising agreement between gravitational waveforms computed using adiabatic-driven-inspiral point-particle black hole perturbation theory (ppBHPT) and numerical relativity (NR) following a straightforward calibration step, sometimes referred to as $\alpha$-$\beta$ scaling. Specifically focusing on the quadrupole mode, this calibration technique necessitates only two time-independent parameters to scale the overall amplitude and time coordinate. In this article, part of a special issue, we investigate this scaling for non-spinning binaries at the equal mass limit. Even without calibration, NR and ppBHPT waveforms exhibit an unexpected degree of similarity after accounting for different mass scale definitions. Post-calibration, good agreement between ppBHPT and NR waveforms extends nearly up to the point of the merger. We also assess the breakdown of the time-independent assumption of the scaling parameters, shedding light on current limitations and suggesting potential generalizations for the $\alpha$-$\beta$ scaling technique.

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Tousif Islam, Scott E. Field, Gaurav Khanna. 2023-12-04. Comparing numerical relativity and perturbation theory waveforms for a non-spinning equal-mass binary. https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10010025

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