arXiv subjects

A. De Felice

Publications and source records attributed to A. De Felice.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

Non-linear dynamics of the minimal theory of massive gravity

We investigate cosmological signatures of the minimal theory of massive gravity (MTMG). To this aim, we simulate the normal branch of the MTMG by employing the \textsc{Ramses} \mbox{$N$-body} code and extending it with an effective gravitational constant $G_{\rm eff}$. We implement an environment-dependent $G_{\rm eff}$ as a function of the graviton mass and the local energy density as predicted by MTMG. We find that halo density profiles are not a good probe for MTMG, because deviations from general relativity (GR) are quite small. Similarly, the matter power spectra show deviations only at the percentage level. However, we find a clear difference between MTMG and GR in that voids are denser in MTMG than in GR. As measuring void profiles is quite a complex task from an observational point of view, a better probe of MTMG would be the halo abundances. In this case, MTMG creates a larger amount of massive halos, while there is a suppression in the abundance of small halos.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Gravitational Waves from Binary Black Hole Mergers Inside of Stars

We present results from a controlled numerical experiment investigating the effect of stellar density gas on the coalescence of binary black holes (BBHs) and the resulting gravitational waves (GWs). This investigation is motivated by the proposed stellar core fragmentation scenario for BBH formation and the associated possibility of an electromagnetic counterpart to a BBH GW event. We employ full numerical relativity coupled with general-relativistic hydrodynamics and set up a $30 + 30 M_\odot$ BBH (motivated by GW150914) inside gas with realistic stellar densities. Our results show that at densities $ρ\gtrsim 10^6 - 10^7 \, \mathrm{g \, cm}^{-3}$ dynamical friction between the BHs and gas changes the coalescence dynamics and the GW signal in an unmistakable way. We show that for GW150914, LIGO observations conclusively rule out BBH coalescence inside stellar gas of $ρ\gtrsim 10^7 \, \mathrm{g\,cm}^{-3}$. Typical densities in the collapsing cores of massive stars are in excess of this density. This excludes the fragmentation scenario for the formation of GW150914.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2001

Singularities of the closed RW metric in Regge Calculus: a generalized evolution of the 600-cell

An evolution scheme is developed, based on Sorkin algorithm, to evolve the most complex regular tridimensional polytope, the 600-cell. The solution of 600-cell, already studied before, is generalized by allowing a larger number of free variables. The singularities of Robertson-Walker (RW) metric are studied and a reason is given why the evolution of the 600-cell stops when its volume is still far from zero. A fit of 600-cell's evolution with a continuos metric is studied by writing a metric generalizing Friedmann's and including the 600-cell evolution too. The result is that the 600-cell meets a causality-breaking point of space-time. We also shortly discuss the way matter is introduced in Regge calculus.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2000

The Friedmann universe of dust by Regge Calculus: study of its ending point

We develop an evolution scheme, based on Sorkin algorithm, to evolve the most complex regular tridimensional polytope, the 600-cell. This application has been already studied before and all authors found a stop point for the evolution of the spatial section. In our opinion a clear and satisfactory meaning to this behaviour has not been given. In this paper we propose a reason why the evolution of the 600-cell stops when its volume is still far from 0. We find that the 600-cell meets a causality-breaking singularity of space-time. We study the nature of this singularity by embedding the 600-cell into a five-dimensional Lorentzian manifold. We fit 600-cell's evolution with a continuos metric and study it as a solution of Einstein equations.

gr-qc↗