Abstract
The stability of binary orbits can significantly shape the gravity wave signal which future Earth-based interferometers hope to detect. The innermost stable circular orbit has been of interest as it marks the transition from the late inspiral to final plunge. We consider purely relativistic orbits beyond the circular assumption. Homoclinic orbits are of particular importance to the question of stability as they lie on the boundary between dynamical stability and instability. We identify these, show their rate of energy loss to gravity waves, and present their gravitational wave forms.
- Received 15 September 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.62.024023
©2000 American Physical Society