Abstract
In this paper we develop a technique for determining the algebraic classification of a numerically generated spacetime, possibly resulting from a generic black-hole-binary merger, using the Newman-Penrose Weyl scalars. We demonstrate these techniques for a test case involving a close binary with arbitrarily oriented spins and unequal masses. We find that, postmerger, the spacetime quickly approaches Petrov type II, and only approaches type D on much longer time scales. These techniques, in combination with techniques for evaluating acceleration and Newman-Unti-Tamburino parameters, allow us to begin to explore the validity of the “no-hair theorem” for generic merging-black-hole spacetimes.
3 More- Received 18 November 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.79.084012
©2009 American Physical Society