You Spin Me Round: Measuring Precession in the Black Hole Population

Understanding the predictions of general relativity for the dynamic interactions of two black holes has been a long-standing unsolved problem in theoretical physics. By studying for a PhD investigating the last orbits and the merger of two black holes, these unsolved problems can be answered which would give insight into the study and detection of gravitational waves. Investigating a binary system is imperative due to its purer signal and vast amount of energy released as they merge. Developing a computer model which solves Einstein's equations for binary blackhole systems will allow us to construct precise gravitational waveforms which obeys the theory of general relativity.

These theoretical predictions of the waveforms are critical for progress to be made in the field of gravitational waves and theoretical astrophysics in general whereby the resulting waveforms can only be calculated through numerical simulations of Einstein's equations. Theorising the gravitational waveforms allows for adapted filters to be added to the weak gravitational wave signal detected by LIGO and consequent statistical analysis to be carried out. Without the numerical solutions to Einstein's equations, the gravitational wave signal is too weak to carry out analysis and even to detect that the signal has passed through the detector. This ground-breaking research will therefore enable insights into developing a technique for testing Einstein's theory and validating all corollaries as a consequence and without this research the field of gravitational waves will not have any significant progresses.

This project is achievable within the timescale. The first year will be used to understand background reading and current numerical codes, the second year will be used to analyse initial data for higher mass ratios and spins and the third year will use the code to study the details of ringdown waveforms, blackhole recoil and precession effects.

Listening to world leading academics, including LIGO spokeswoman Dr Gabriela Gonzalez, describe experimental results which match their theoretical models so accurately highlighted to me the importance of being at the forefront of science and contributing to a field which is potentially the biggest scientific breakthrough of our lifetime. It is this joy for understanding the underpinning of the universe that will no doubt propel me through the difficult times of pursuing a PhD. After successfully completing a PhD at Cardiff, my passion for theoretical astrophysics will propel me into a career in academia. I plan on carrying out postdoctoral research to gain further insight into the mathematical formalisation of gravitational waves. This will culminate in significant progresses in the field of cosmology, with publications describing consequent modifications to Einstein's theory of General Relativity.