Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2000

Abstract

We present the first simulations of non-headon (grazing) collisions of binary black holes in which the black hole singularities have been excised from the computational domain. Initially two equal mass black holes m are separated a distance ≈10m and with impact parameter ≈2m. Initial data are based on superposed, boosted (velocity ≈0.5c) solutions of single black holes in Kerr-Schild coordinates. Both rotating and non-rotating black holes are considered. The excised regions containing the singularities are specified by following the dynamics of apparent horizons. Evolutions of up to t≈35m are obtained in which two initially separate apparent horizons are present for t≈3.8m. At that time a single enveloping apparent horizon forms, indicating that the holes have merged. Apparent horizon area estimates suggest gravitational radiation of about 2.6% of the total mass. The evolutions end after a moderate amount of time because of instabilities. © 2000 The American Physical Society.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Physical Review Letters

First Page

5496

Last Page

5499

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