Numerical Relativity (NR) is an entire field of study that attempts to harness the power of supercomputers in order to solve complex problems within General Relativity (GR). Its original purpose was to provide a means to simulate the late-inspiral and merger of binary black holes and neutrons stars, and provide accurate templates of the resulting gravitational waves that can be employed to assist in their detection. However, Numerical Relativity has now flourished into a plethora of novel avenues. From boson stars to inflation - both within GR and modifications of it - NR is a pivotal tool in understanding a broad variety of physically-realistic (albeit sometimes hypothetical) gravitating systems. In this thesis, we use NR to explore two such intriguing scenarios: the merger of binary black holes within a particular modified theory of gravity, and the stability of inhomogeneous inflation.
Simulating Scalar Fields in Astrophysical and Cosmological Settings
Elley, M. (Author). 1 Sept 2023
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy