arXiv subjects

Isabel Cordero-Carrión

Publications and source records attributed to Isabel Cordero-Carrión.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Constraint-satisfying binary boson star initial data via XCFC

Numerical-relativity simulations with non-trivial matter configurations require initial data that satisfy the Hamiltonian and momentum constraints of the Einstein equations. We construct constraint-satisfying scalar-field initial data using the eXtended Conformally Flat Condition (XCFC) formalism, in which the matter variables are conformally rescaled and an auxiliary vector field is introduced. In doing so, we overcome the issues of local uniqueness and convergence of the solutions that arise in the second-order elliptic equations associated with the constraints. Using an iterative solver method, we demonstrate the convergence of the XCFC approach to a solution for several scalar-field matter systems. Those include Gaussian-like profiles, topological torus configurations, and equal-mass boson star binaries. In particular, for the latter case, it is common to employ the superposition of two isolated boson star solutions in order to build the initial data. We show that our formalism significantly improves upon a superposition approach by generating genuinely constraint-satisfying initial data for boson star binaries.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Time integration for neutrino radiation transport using minimally implicit Runge-Kutta methods

The evolution of many astrophysical systems is dominated by the interaction between matter and radiation such as photons or neutrinos. The dynamics can be described by the evolution equations of radiation hydrodynamics in which reactions between matter particles and radiation quanta couples the hydrodynamic equations to those of radiative transfer (see Munier & Weaver (1986a) and Munier & Weaver (1986b)). The numerical treatment has to account for their potential stiffness (e.g., in optically thick environments). In this article, we will present a new method to numerically integrate these equations in a stable way by using minimally implicit Runge-Kutta methods. With these methods, the inversion of the implicit operator can be done analytically, so the computational cost is equivalent to that of an explicit method. We strongly take into account the physical behavior of the evolved variables in the limit of the stiff regime in the derivation of the methods. We will show the results of applying these methods to the reactions between neutrinos and matter in some tests and also in realistic core-collapse supernovae simulations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Reformulation of Einstein equations in the Fully Constrained Formulation: local-uniqueness, post-Newtonian expansion and initial data

Einstein equations can be written in the so-called Fully Constrained Formulation (FCF). This formulation has two different sectors: the elliptic sector, formed by the Hamiltonian and Momentum constraints together with the equations derived from the gauge choice; and the hyperbolic sector, formed by the evolution of the rest of the spacetime metric variables, which encodes the gravitational radiation. In this work, we present a modification of both sectors that keeps local uniqueness properties of the elliptic system of equations and includes a hierarchical post-Newtonian structure of all the elliptic and hyperbolic equations. This reformulation can have potential applications in cosmology and relativistic astrophysics. Moreover, we show how initial stationary data can be computed numerically using this formulation without assuming a conformally flat spatial metric, with the illustrative example of a rotating neutron star.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Numerical evolution of the resistive relativistic magnetohydrodynamic equations: a minimally implicit Runge-Kutta scheme

We present the Minimally-Implicit Runge-Kutta (MIRK) methods for the numerical evolution of the resistive relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (RRMHD) equations, following the approach proposed by Komissarov (2007) of an augmented system of evolution equations to numerically deal with constraints. Previous approaches rely on Implicit-Explicit (IMEX) Runge-Kutta schemes; in general, compared to explicit schemes, IMEX methods need to apply the recovery (which can be very expensive computationally) of the primitive variables from the conserved ones in numerous additional times. Moreover, the use of an iterative process for the recovery could have potential convergence problems, increased by the additional number of required loops. In addition, the computational cost of the previous IMEX approach in comparison with the standard explicit methods is much higher. The MIRK methods are able to deal with stiff terms producing stable numerical evolutions, minimize the number of recoveries needed in comparison with IMEX methods, their computational cost is similar to the standard explicit methods and can actually be easily implemented in numerical codes which previously used explicit schemes. Two standard numerical tests are shown in the manuscript.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2024

Communicating the gravitational-wave discoveries of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration

The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration has made breakthrough discoveries in gravitational-wave astronomy, a new field that provides a different means of observing our Universe. Gravitational-wave discoveries are possible thanks to the work of thousands of people from across the globe working together. In this article, we discuss the range of engagement activities used to communicate LVK gravitational-wave discoveries and the stories of the people behind the science, using the activities surrounding the release of the third Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog as a case study.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

A new formulation of general-relativistic hydrodynamic equations using primitive variables

We present the derivation of hydrodynamical equations for a perfect fluid in General Relativity, within the 3+1 decomposition of spacetime framework, using only primitive variables. Primitive variables are opposed to conserved variables, as defined in the widely used Valencia formulation of the same hydrodynamical equations. The equations are derived in a covariant way, so that they can be used to describe any configuration of the perfect fluid. Once derived, the equations are tested numerically. We implement them in an evolution code for spherically symmetric self-gravitating compact objects. The code uses pseudospectral methods for both the metric and the hydrodynamics. First, convergence tests are performed, then the frequencies of radial modes of polytropes are recovered with and without the Cowling approximation, and finally the performance of our code in the black hole collapse and migration tests are described. The results of the tests and the comparison with a reference corecollapse and neutron star oscillations code suggests that not only our code can handle very strong gravitational fields, but also that this new formulation helps gaining a significant amount of computational time in hydrodynamical simulations of smooth flows in General Relativity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

General parametrization of Majorana neutrino mass models

We discuss a general formula which allows to automatically reproduce experimental data for Majorana neutrino mass models, while keeping the complete set of the remaining model parameters free for general scans, as necessary in order to provide reliable predictions for observables outside the neutrino sector. We provide a proof of this master parametrization and show how to apply it for several well-known neutrino mass models from the literature. We also discuss a list of special cases, in which the Yukawa couplings have to fulfill some particular additional conditions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Master Majorana neutrino mass parametrization

After introducing a master formula for the Majorana neutrino mass matrix we present a master parametrization for the Yukawa matrices automatically in agreement with neutrino oscillation data. This parametrization can be used for any model that induces Majorana neutrino masses. The application of the master parametrization is also illustrated in an example model, with special focus on its lepton flavor violating phenomenology.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Partially implicit Runge-Kutta methods for wave-like equations

In this work we present a new class of Runge-Kutta (RK) methods for solving systems of hyperbolic equations with a particular structure, generalization of a wave-equation. The new methods are {\it partially implicit} in the sense that a proper subset of the equations of the system contains some terms which are treated implicitly. These methods can be viewed as a particular case of the implicit-explicit (IMEX) RK methods for systems of equations with wave-like structure. For these systems, the optimal methods with the new structure are easier to derive than the IMEX ones, specially when aiming at higher-order (up to fourth-order in this work). The methods are constructed considering the classical strong-stability-preserving optimal explicit RK methods for the purely explicit part. The resulting partially implicit RK methods do not require any inversion of operators and hence their computational cost per iteration is similar to those of explicit RK methods. We analyse the stability and convergence properties and show their practical applicability in several numerical examples. Our results show that, compared with explicit RK methods, the new methods have better stability properties (larger steps are allowed) and in general show smaller discretization error.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

On the convexity of Relativistic Ideal Magnetohydrodynamics

We analyze the influence of the magnetic field in the convexity properties of the relativistic magnetohydrodynamics system of equations. To this purpose we use the approach of Lax, based on the analysis of the linearly degenerate/genuinely non-linear nature of the characteristic fields. Degenerate and non-degenerate states are discussed separately and the non-relativistic, unmagnetized limits are properly recovered. The characteristic fields corresponding to the material and Alfvén waves are linearly degenerate and, then, not affected by the convexity issue. The analysis of the characteristic fields associated with the magnetosonic waves reveals, however, a dependence of the convexity condition on the magnetic field. The result is expressed in the form of a generalized fundamental derivative written as the sum of two terms. The first one is the generalized fundamental derivative in the case of purely hydrodynamical (relativistic) flow. The second one contains the effects of the magnetic field. The analysis of this term shows that it is always positive leading to the remarkable result that the presence of a magnetic field in the fluid reduces the domain of thermodynamical states for which the EOS is non-convex.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

An excision scheme for black holes in constrained evolution formulations: spherically symmetric case

Excision techniques are used in order to deal with black holes in numerical simulations of Einstein equations and consist in removing a topological sphere containing the physical singularity from the numerical domain, applying instead appropriate boundary conditions at the excised surface. In this work we present recent developments of this technique in the case of constrained formulations of Einstein equations and for spherically symmetric spacetimes. We present a new set of boundary conditions to apply to the elliptic system in the fully-constrained formalism of Bonazzola et al. (2004), at an arbitrary coordinate sphere inside the apparent horizon. Analytical properties of this system of boundary conditions are studied and, under some assumptions, an exponential convergence toward the stationary solution is exhibited for the vacuum spacetime. This is verified in numerical examples, together with the applicability in the case of the accretion of a scalar field onto a Schwarzschild black hole. We also present the successful use of the excision technique in the collapse of a neutron star to a black hole, when excision is switched on during the simulation, after the formation of the apparent horizon. This allows the accretion of matter remaining outside the excision surface and for the stable long-term evolution of the newly formed black hole.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

On the convexity of Relativistic Hydrodynamics

The relativistic hydrodynamic system of equations for a perfect fluid obeying a causal equation of state is hyperbolic (Anile 1989 {\it Relativistic Fluids and Magneto-Fluids} (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)). In this report, we derive the conditions for this system to be convex in terms of the fundamental derivative of the equation of state (Menikoff and Plohr 1989 {\it Rev. Mod. Phys.} {\bf 61} 75). The classical limit is recovered.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Numerical Relativity in Spherical Polar Coordinates: Evolution Calculations with the BSSN Formulation

In the absence of symmetry assumptions most numerical relativity simulations adopt Cartesian coordinates. While Cartesian coordinates have some desirable properties, spherical polar coordinates appear better suited for certain applications, including gravitational collapse and supernova simulations. Development of numerical relativity codes in spherical polar coordinates has been hampered by the need to handle the coordinate singularities at the origin and on the axis, for example by careful regularization of the appropriate variables. Assuming spherical symmetry and adopting a covariant version of the BSSN equations, Montero and Cordero-Carrión recently demonstrated that such a regularization is not necessary when a partially implicit Runge-Kutta (PIRK) method is used for the time evolution of the gravitational fields. Here we report on an implementation of the BSSN equations in spherical polar coordinates without any symmetry assumptions. Using a PIRK method we obtain stable simulations in three spatial dimensions without the need to regularize the origin or the axis. We perform and discuss a number of tests to assess the stability, accuracy and convergence of the code, namely weak gravitational waves, "hydro-without-hydro" evolutions of spherical and rotating relativistic stars in equilibrium, and single black holes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Gravitational waves in dynamical spacetimes with matter content in the Fully Constrained Formulation

The Fully Constrained Formulation (FCF) of General Relativity is a novel framework introduced as an alternative to the hyperbolic formulations traditionally used in numerical relativity. The FCF equations form a hybrid elliptic-hyperbolic system of equations including explicitly the constraints. We present an implicit-explicit numerical algorithm to solve the hyperbolic part, whereas the elliptic sector shares the form and properties with the well known Conformally Flat Condition (CFC) approximation. We show the stability andconvergence properties of the numerical scheme with numerical simulations of vacuum solutions. We have performed the first numerical evolutions of the coupled system of hydrodynamics and Einstein equations within FCF. As a proof of principle of the viability of the formalism, we present 2D axisymmetric simulations of an oscillating neutron star. In order to simplify the analysis we have neglected the back-reaction of the gravitational waves into the dynamics, which is small (<2 %) for the system considered in this work. We use spherical coordinates grids which are well adapted for simulations of stars and allow for extended grids that marginally reach the wave zone. We have extracted the gravitational wave signature and compared to the Newtonian quadrupole and hexadecapole formulae. Both extraction methods show agreement within the numerical errors and the approximations used (~30 %).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Maximal slicings in spherical symmetry: local existence and construction

We show that any spherically symmetric spacetime locally admits a maximal spacelike slicing and we give a procedure allowing its construction. The construction procedure that we have designed is based on purely geometrical arguments and, in practice, leads to solve a decoupled system of first order quasi-linear partial differential equations. We have explicitly built up maximal foliations in Minkowski and Friedmann spacetimes. Our approach admits further generalizations and efficient computational implementation. As by product, we suggest some applications of our work in the task of calibrating Numerical Relativity complex codes, usually written in Cartesian coordinates.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

On the local existence of maximal slicings in spherically symmetric spacetimes

In this talk we show that any spherically symmetric spacetime admits locally a maximal spacelike slicing. The above condition is reduced to solve a decoupled system of first order quasi-linear partial differential equations. The solution may be accomplished analytical or numerically. We provide a general procedure to construct such maximal slicings.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Dynamical spacetimes and gravitational radiation in a Fully Constrained Formulation

This contribution summarizes the recent work carried out to analyze the behavior of the hyperbolic sector of the Fully Constrained Formulation (FCF) derived in Bonazzola et al. 2004. The numerical experiments presented here allows one to be confident in the performances of the upgraded version of CoCoNuT's code by replacing the Conformally Flat Condition (CFC) approximation of the Einstein equations by the FCF.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Improved constrained scheme for the Einstein equations: An approach to the uniqueness issue

Uniqueness problems in the elliptic sector of constrained formulations of Einstein equations have a dramatic effect on the physical validity of some numerical solutions, for instance when calculating the spacetime of very compact stars or nascent black holes. The fully constrained formulation (FCF) proposed by Bonazzola, Gourgoulhon, Grandclément, and Novak is one of these formulations. It contains, as a particular case, the approximation of the conformal flatness condition (CFC) which, in the last ten years, has been used in many astrophysical applications. The elliptic part of the FCF basically shares the same differential operators as the elliptic equations in CFC scheme. We present here a reformulation of the elliptic sector of CFC that has the fundamental property of overcoming the local uniqueness problems. The correct behavior of our new formulation is confirmed by means of a battery of numerical simulations. Finally, we extend these ideas to FCF, complementing the mathematical analysis carried out in previous studies.

gr-qc↗