Stuart L. Shapiro

This self-contained textbook brings together many different branches of physics--e.g. nuclear physics, solid state physics, particle physics, hydrodynamics, relativity--to analyze compact objects. The latest astronomical data is assessed. Over 250 exercises.

Numerical relativity has emerged as the key tool to model gravitational waves - recently detected for the first time - that are emitted when black holes or neutron stars collide. This book provides a pedagogical, accessible, and concise introduction to the subject. Relying heavily on analogies with Newtonian gravity, scalar fields and electromagnetic fields, it introduces key concepts of numerical relativity in a context familiar to readers without prior expertise in general relativity. Readers can explore these concepts by working through numerous exercises, and can see them 'in action' by experimenting with the accompanying Python sample codes, and so develop familiarity with many techniques commonly employed by publicly available numerical relativity codes. This is an attractive, student-friendly resource for short courses on numerical relativity, as well as providing supplementary reading for courses on general relativity and computational physics.

Numerical relativity has emerged as the key tool to model gravitational waves - recently detected for the first time - that are emitted when black holes or neutron stars collide. This book provides a pedagogical, accessible, and concise introduction to the subject. Relying heavily on analogies with Newtonian gravity, scalar fields and electromagnetic fields, it introduces key concepts of numerical relativity in a context familiar to readers without prior expertise in general relativity. Readers can explore these concepts by working through numerous exercises, and can see them 'in action' by experimenting with the accompanying Python sample codes, and so develop familiarity with many techniques commonly employed by publicly available numerical relativity codes. This is an attractive, student-friendly resource for short courses on numerical relativity, as well as providing supplementary reading for courses on general relativity and computational physics.

Aimed at students and researchers entering the field, this pedagogical introduction to numerical relativity will also interest scientists seeking a broad survey of its challenges and achievements. Assuming only a basic knowledge of classical general relativity, the book develops the mathematical formalism from first principles, and then highlights some of the pioneering simulations involving black holes and neutron stars, gravitational collapse and gravitational waves. The book contains 300 exercises to help readers master new material as it is presented. Numerous illustrations, many in color, assist in visualizing new geometric concepts and highlighting the results of computer simulations. Summary boxes encapsulate some of the most important results for quick reference. Applications covered include calculations of coalescing binary black holes and binary neutron stars, rotating stars, colliding star clusters, gravitational and magnetorotational collapse, critical phenomena, the generation of gravitational waves, and other topics of current physical and astrophysical significance.

Black holes, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars The physics of Compact Objects Compact objects—black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars—are fundamental constituents of the physical universe. They are born when normal stars die. This book is a product of the recent explosion of scientific activity centering on these objects. This self-contained work is a rigorous, yet understandable, references on the latest theoretical and observational developments. It is at once an outstanding text for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in physics, and a practical self-study guide for scientists in other disciplines and scientifically-oriented laypersons. No prior knowledge of astrophysics or relativity theory is required. Compact objects provide unique cosmic laboratories for testing physics and astrophysics under extreme conditions. They interact via all four of the fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear forces, and gravitation. As a result, the book brings together topics from such diverse areas as solid state physics, nuclear and particle physics, relativity and hydrodynamics. In the text, the authors first analyze the physical properties of compact objects in their simplest states. Next, they investigate the effects of rotation, magnetic fields, X-ray and neutrino emission, the generation of gravitational waves, and so on. The theory is assessed in light of the most recent observational data. Numerous practical features to make teaching and learning easier include:*a road map for using the book effectively*over 250 exercises, including several small-scale computer problems*extensive references*boxes summarizing major points*carefully constructed and attractive tables and illustrations. Dr. Stuart L. Shapiro and Dr. Saul A. Teukolsky are both Professors of Physics and Astronomy at Cornell University.