Approximate Black Holes for Numerical Relativity

Abstract

Spherically symmetric solutions in Brans-Dicke theory of relativity with zero coupling constant, $\omega=0$, are derived in the Schwarzschild line-element. The solutions are obtained from a cubic transition equation with one small parameter. The exterior space-time of one family of solutions is arbitrarily close to the exterior Schwarzschild space-time. These nontopological solitons have some similarity with soliton stars, and are proposed as candidates for {\em approximate black holes} for the use in numerical relativity, in particular for treatment of horizon boundary conditions.Comment: Postscript, 2 figure