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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, gr-qc
Abstract:
The Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project is a collaborative effort
between members of the numerical relativity and gravitational wave data
analysis communities. The purpose of NINJA is to study the sensitivity of
existing gravitational-wave search and parameter-estimation algorithms using
numerically generated waveforms, and to foster closer collaboration between the
numerical relativity and data analysis communities. The first NINJA project
used only a small number of injections of short numerical-relativity waveforms,
which limited its ability to draw quantitative conclusions. The goal of the
NINJA-2 project is to overcome these limitations with long post-Newtonian -
numerical relativity hybrid waveforms, large numbers of injections, and the use
of real detector data. We report on the submission requirements for the NINJA-2
project and the construction of the waveform catalog. Eight numerical
relativity groups have contributed 63 hybrid waveforms consisting of a
numerical portion modelling the late inspiral, merger, and ringdown stitched to
a post-Newtonian portion modelling the early inspiral. We summarize the
techniques used by each group in constructing their submissions. We also report
on the procedures used to validate these submissions, including examination in
the time and frequency domains and comparisons of waveforms from different
groups against each other. These procedures have so far considered only the
$(\ell,m)=(2,2)$ mode. Based on these studies we judge that the hybrid
waveforms are suitable for NINJA-2 studies. We note some of the plans for these
investigations.
