hide
Free keywords:
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, gr-qc
Abstract:
The peeling theorem of general relativity predicts that the Weyl curvature
scalars Psi_n (n=0...4), when constructed from a suitable null tetrad in an
asymptotically flat spacetime, fall off asymptotically as r^(n-5) along
outgoing radial null geodesics. This leads to the interpretation of Psi_4 as
outgoing gravitational radiation at large distances from the source. We have
performed numerical simulations in full general relativity of a binary black
hole inspiral and merger, and have computed the Weyl scalars in the standard
tetrad used in numerical relativity. In contrast with previous results, we
observe that all the Weyl scalars fall off according to the predictions of the
theorem.