Project: A 3D Apparent Horizon Finder

P. Anninos, K. Camarda, J. Libson, J. Massó, A. Odintsov, D. Rosnick, E. Seidel, W.-M. Suen

Abstract

We have developed a new method for locating apparent horizons in numerical spacetimes. Rather than the usual method of solving the differential equation that results from setting the volume expansion equal to zero, we expand a test surface in a set of basis functions. We then minimize the integral of the square of the volume expansion over this test surface as a function of the coefficients of the expansion. This method is particularly well suited for 3D calculations because it does not require the specification of boundary conditions.

Progress Report

A routine has been written to use this method to locate apparent horizons in 3D spacetimes. So far, we have successfully located the apparent horizon in the evolution of a Schwarzschild spacetime in which geodesic slicing was used.

For a description of the method and some earlier results, see our paper from the MG7 Proceedings, A 3D Apparent Horizon Finder.

Related Projects

For a description of the 3D evolution code in which this routine is being tested, see the G Code project. This routine will eventually be used by the Apparent Horizon Boundary Condition project. Also, see an overview of the 3D Black Hole project.

Maintained by Karen Camarda . Last Modified: <i>Fri May 25, 2018 (07:33:43 CEST)</i>