Post-Newtonian methods: Analytic results on the binary problem

Gerhard Schäfer

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arXiv · 0910.2857

Post-Newtonian methods: Analytic results on the binary problem

Gerhard Schäfer

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Abstract

A detailed account is given on approximation schemes to the Einstein theory of general relativity where the iteration starts from the Newton theory of gravity. Two different coordinate conditions are used to represent the Einstein field equations, the generalized isotropic ones of the canonical formalism of Arnowitt, Deser, and Misner and the harmonic ones of the Lorentz-covariant Fock-de Donder approach. Conserved quantities of isolated systems are identified and the Poincar\'e algebra is introduced. Post-Newtonian expansions are performed in the near and far (radiation) zones. The natural fitting of multipole expansions to post-Newtonian schemes is emphasized. The treated matter models are ideal fluids, pure point masses, and point masses with spin and mass-quadrupole moments modelling rotating black holes. Various Hamiltonians of spinning binaries are presented in explicit forms to higher post-Newtonian orders. The delicate use of black holes in post-Newtonian expansion calculations and of the Dirac delta function in general relativity find discussions.

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Gerhard Schäfer. 2009-10-15. Post-Newtonian methods: Analytic results on the binary problem. https://arxiv.org/abs/0910.2857

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