Three Dimensional Numerical Relativity with a Hyperbolic Formulation

Abstract

We discuss a successful three-dimensional cartesian implementation of the Bona-Mass\'o hyperbolic formulation of the 3+1 Einstein evolution equations in numerical relativity. The numerical code, which we call ``Cactus,'' provides a general framework for 3D numerical relativity, and can include various formulations of the evolution equations, initial data sets, and analysis modules. We show important code tests, including dynamically sliced flat space, wave spacetimes, and black hole spacetimes. We discuss the numerical convergence of each spacetime, and also compare results with previously tested codes based on other formalisms, including the traditional ADM formalism. This is the first time that a hyperbolic reformulation of Einstein's equations has been shown appropriate for three-dimensional numerical relativity in a wide variety of spacetimes.