arXiv · 2604.00071
Wormhole Dynamics: Nonlinear Collapse and Gravitational-Wave Emission
Abstract
We present 3D numerical-relativity evolutions of the unstable Ellis-Bronnikov wormhole using GRTeclyn, starting from exact isotropic initial data for the coupled Einstein-phantom-scalar system. With a flat initial lapse (alpha=1) and full phantom support, truncation-level noise eventually drives the rarefactive instability and rapid throat expansion. To force a clean collapse while breaking spherical symmetry, we reduce the phantom stress-energy support to S_support=0.5 and add a quadrupolar scalar-field perturbation (A_phi=+0.02, sigma_phi=0.5). The resulting compressive evolution forms a trapped surface and emits a gravitational-wave signal whose peak propagates between extraction radii at v approx c, distinct from superluminal CCZ4 constraint modes. After horizon formation the swallowed phantom matter triggers a violent rebound ("phantom bounce") that launches an outward curvature shock. For the moderate perturbation amplitude simulated here, an intermediate-mass (10^3 solar mass) wormhole at D=1 Mpc falls slightly below the Advanced LIGO design sensitivity; detection requires either closer sources, larger initial asymmetries, or next-generation detectors.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Nikita M. Shirokov. 2026-03-31. Wormhole Dynamics: Nonlinear Collapse and Gravitational-Wave Emission. https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.00071
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.