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Status Quo and Open Problems in the Numerical Construction of Spacetimes

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The Einstein Equations and the Large Scale Behavior of Gravitational Fields

Abstract

The possibility of explicitly constructing solutions to the Einstein equations via computer simulations represents a relatively new, powerful approach to investigate the theory. Numerical relativity is the branch of General Relativity whose goal is to obtain such solutions. Unfortunately, despite several remarkable successes, the field has not yet reached the mature level required to successfully tackle a number of interesting problems. Several open issues slow down the progress in the field and their resolution will be key in realizing its full possibilities. This article presents a brief introduction to the discipline, placing special emphasis on some of the main open conceptual problems.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810, USA

    Luis Lehner

  2. FAMAF, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Cordoba, 5000, Argentina

    Oscar Reula

Authors
  1. Luis Lehner
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  2. Oscar Reula
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Mathématiques et de Physique Théorique, CNRS UMR 6083, Avenue Grammont, 37200, Tours, France

    Piotr T. Chruściel

  2. Max-Planck-Institut fĂĽr Gravitationsphysik, Am MĂĽhlenberg 1, 14467, Golm, Germany

    Helmut Friedrich

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Lehner, L., Reula, O. (2004). Status Quo and Open Problems in the Numerical Construction of Spacetimes. In: Chruściel, P.T., Friedrich, H. (eds) The Einstein Equations and the Large Scale Behavior of Gravitational Fields. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7953-8_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7953-8_5

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9634-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-7953-8

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