235 research outputs found
A geometrically motivated coordinate system for exploring spacetime dynamics in numerical-relativity simulations using a quasi-Kinnersley tetrad
We investigate the suitability and properties of a quasi-Kinnersley tetrad
and a geometrically motivated coordinate system as tools for quantifying both
strong-field and wave-zone effects in numerical relativity (NR) simulations. We
fix the radial and latitudinal coordinate degrees of freedom of the metric,
using the Coulomb potential associated with the quasi-Kinnersley transverse
frame. These coordinates are invariants of the spacetime and can be used to
unambiguously fix the outstanding spin-boost freedom associated with the
quasi-Kinnersley frame (resulting in a preferred quasi-Kinnersley tetrad
(QKT)). In the limit of small perturbations about a Kerr spacetime, these
coordinates and QKT reduce to Boyer-Lindquist coordinates and the Kinnersley
tetrad, irrespective of the simulation gauge choice. We explore the properties
of this construction both analytically and numerically, and we gain insights
regarding the propagation of radiation described by a super-Poynting vector. We
also quantify in detail the peeling properties of the chosen tetrad and gauge.
We argue that these choices are particularly well suited for a rapidly
converging wave-extraction algorithm as the extraction location approaches
infinity, and we explore numerically the extent to which this property remains
applicable on the interior of a computational domain. Using a number of
additional tests, we verify that the prescription behaves as required in the
appropriate limits regardless of simulation gauge. We explore the behavior of
the geometrically motivated coordinate system in dynamical binary-black-hole NR
mergers, and find them useful for visualizing features in NR simulations such
as the spurious "junk" radiation. Finally, we carefully scrutinize the head-on
collision of two black holes and, for example, the way in which the extracted
waveform changes as it moves through the computational domain.Comment: 30 pages, 17 figures, 2 table
Shortening the length of stay and mechanical ventilation time by using positive suggestions via MP3 players for ventilated patients
Long stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and prolonged ventilation are deleterious for subsequent quality of life and surcharge financial capacity. We have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of using suggestive communication on recovery time during intensive care. The aim of our present study was to prove the same effects with standardized positive suggestive message delivered by an MP3 player. Patients ventilated in ICU were randomized into a control group receiving standard ICU treatment and two groups with a standardized pre-recorded material delivered via headphones: a suggestive message about safety, self-control, and recovery for the study group and a relaxing music for the music group. Groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and mortality, but the SAPS II scores were higher in the study group than that in the controls (57.8 ± 23.6 vs. 30.1 ± 15.5 and 33.7 ± 17.4). Our post-hoc analysis results showed that the length of ICU stay (134.2 ± 73.3 vs. 314.2 ± 178.4 h) and the time spent on ventilator (85.2 ± 34.9 vs. 232.0 ± 165.6 h) were significantly shorter in the study group compared to the unified control. The advantage of the structured positive suggestive message was proven against both music and control groups
Testing numerical relativity with the shifted gauge wave
Computational methods are essential to provide waveforms from coalescing
black holes, which are expected to produce strong signals for the gravitational
wave observatories being developed. Although partial simulations of the
coalescence have been reported, scientifically useful waveforms have so far not
been delivered. The goal of the AppleswithApples (AwA) Alliance is to design,
coordinate and document standardized code tests for comparing numerical
relativity codes. The first round of AwA tests have now being completed and the
results are being analyzed. These initial tests are based upon periodic
boundary conditions designed to isolate performance of the main evolution code.
Here we describe and carry out an additional test with periodic boundary
conditions which deals with an essential feature of the black hole excision
problem, namely a non-vanishing shift. The test is a shifted version of the
existing AwA gauge wave test. We show how a shift introduces an exponentially
growing instability which violates the constraints of a standard harmonic
formulation of Einstein's equations. We analyze the Cauchy problem in a
harmonic gauge and discuss particular options for suppressing instabilities in
the gauge wave tests. We implement these techniques in a finite difference
evolution algorithm and present test results. Although our application here is
limited to a model problem, the techniques should benefit the simulation of
black holes using harmonic evolution codes.Comment: Submitted to special numerical relativity issue of Classical and
Quantum Gravit
Finite difference schemes for second order systems describing black holes
In the harmonic description of general relativity, the principle part of
Einstein's equations reduces to 10 curved space wave equations for the
componenets of the space-time metric. We present theorems regarding the
stability of several evolution-boundary algorithms for such equations when
treated in second order differential form. The theorems apply to a model black
hole space-time consisting of a spacelike inner boundary excising the
singularity, a timelike outer boundary and a horizon in between. These
algorithms are implemented as stable, convergent numerical codes and their
performance is compared in a 2-dimensional excision problem.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figure
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