Black hole initial data by numerical integration of the parabolic–hyperbolic form of the constraints

Abstract

The parabolic–hyperbolic form of the constraints is integrated numerically. The applied numerical stencil is fourth-order accurate (in the spatial directions) while “time”-integration is made by using the method of lines with a fourth-order order accurate Runge–Kutta scheme. The proper implementation of the applied numerical method is verified by convergence tests and monitoring the relative and absolute errors is determined by comparing numerically and analytically known solutions of the constraints involving boosted and spinning vacuum single black hole configurations. The main part of our investigations is, however, centered on the construction of initial data for distorted black holes which, in certain cases, have non-negligible gravitational wave content. Remarkably, the applied new method is unprecedented in that it allows to construct initial data for highly boosted and spinning black holes, essentially for the full physical allowed ranges of these parameters. In addition, the use of the evolutionary form of the constraints is free from applying any sort of boundary conditions in the strong field regime.