Falloff of the Weyl scalars in binary black hole spacetimes

Understand

The peeling theorem of general relativity predicts that the Weyl curvature scalars Psi_n (n=0...4), when constructed from a suitable null tetrad in an asymptotically flat spacetime, fall off asymptotically as r^(n-5) along outgoing radial null geodesics.

• This leads to the interpretation of Psi_4 as outgoing gravitational radiation at large distances from the source.
• We have performed numerical simulations in full general relativity of a binary black hole inspiral and merger, and have computed the Weyl scalars in the standard tetrad used in numerical relativity.
• In contrast with previous results, we observe that all the Weyl scalars fall off according to the predictions of the theorem.