Gravitational-Wave Energy Flux for Compact Binaries through Second Order in the Mass Ratio
Niels Warburton, Adam Pound, Barry Wardell, J. Miller, Leanne Durkan
Abstract
Within the framework of self-force theory, we compute the gravitational-wave energy flux through second order in the mass ratio for compact binaries in quasicircular orbits. Our results are consistent with post-Newtonian calculations in the weak field, and they agree remarkably well with numerical-relativity simulations of comparable-mass binaries in the strong field. We also find good agreement for binaries with a spinning secondary or a slowly spinning primary. Our results are key for accurately modeling extreme-mass-ratio inspirals and will be useful in modeling intermediate-mass-ratio systems.
Topics & Concepts
Mass ratioPhysicsGravitational waveSpinningGravitational fieldFlux (metallurgy)General relativityEnergy fluxNumerical relativityGravitational energyGravitationField (mathematics)Newtonian fluidAstrophysicsClassical mechanicsAstronomyPure mathematicsMetallurgyMathematicsMaterials scienceEngineeringMechanical engineeringPulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchHigh-pressure geophysics and materialsGamma-ray bursts and supernovae