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Black hole binary dynamics

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Abstract

We discuss a new N-body simulation method for studying black hole binary dynamics. This method avoids previous numerical problems due to large mass ratios and trapped orbits with short periods. A treatment of relativistic effects is included when the associated time-scale becomes small. Preliminary results with up to N = 2.4 × 10 5 particles are obtained showing systematic eccentricity growth until the relativistic regime is reached, with subsequent coalescence in some cases.

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  1. Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HA E-mail

    S.J. Aarseth

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  1. S.J. Aarseth
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Aarseth, S. Black hole binary dynamics. Astrophysics and Space Science 285, 367–372 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025492510715

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025492510715

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