数值相对论与双中子星并合

Numerical relativity and binary neutron star mergers

双中子星并合过程的引力波信号GW170817已经成功被LIGO直接探测,并合过程中的电磁对应体:短伽马射线暴GRB170817A以及光学、红外、紫外波段的千新星AT2017gfo也被多个天文台一同探测到,这标志着多信使天文学时代的开始。而数值相对论,即用数值模拟的方法研究双星并合的过程,在引力波探测、理解引力波源性质等方面起到举足轻重的作用。除此之外,数值相对论模拟的结果,也是我们理解千新星观测现象的重要工具。文章将回顾数值相对论建立、发展的历史,并介绍其在引力波探测、理解观测现象中所扮演的重要角色。

The direct detection o f the inspiraling gravitational wave signal from the binary neutron star merger GW170817, by L IG O , together with the detection o f its electromagnetic counterparts G R B 170817A and AT2017gfo, announced the birth o f the multi-messenger astronomy era. Numerical relativity, i.e. solving Ein ste in 's equation with numerical methods to simulate the binary merger process, played a crucial role in the detection o f the gravitational wave signal as well as in interpreting the properties o f the source. Moreover, the results o f numerical relativity studies o f binary neutron star mergers are essential for understanding the counterpart electromagnetic observations. In this article, the history and evolution o f numerical relativity will be reviewed, as well as its role in gravitational wave detection and interpretation of the observations.