Testing a simplified version of Einstein’s equations for numerical relativity

Solving dynamical problems in general relativity requires the full machinery of numerical relativity. Wilson has proposed a simpler but approximate scheme for systems near equilibrium, such as binary neutron stars. We test the scheme on isolated, rapidly rotating, relativistic stars. Since these objects are in equilibrium, it is crucial that the approximation works well if we are to believe its predictions for more complicated systems such as binaries. Our results are very encouraging. © 1996 The American Physical Society.