Physics of relativistic objects in compact binaries
Subtitle: from birth to coalescence
By: edited by Monica Colpi ... [et al.].
Series: Astrophysics and space science library -- 359; Astrophysics and space science library
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Dordrecht
Language: eng
Number of pages: 378
ISBN-13: 9781402092633; 9781402092640
Subjects: Evolution; Compact objects (Astronomy); Double stars; General relativity (Physics); Relativistic astrophysics
Description: This book provides a comprehensive, authoritative and timely review of the astrophysical approach to the investigation of gravity theories. Particular attention is paid to strong-field tests of general relativity and alternative theories of gravity, performed using collapsed objects (neutron stars, black holes and white dwarfs) in relativistic binaries as laboratories. The book starts with an introduction which gives the background linking experimental gravity in cosmic laboratories to astrophysics and fundamental physics. Subsequent chapters cover observational and theoretical aspects of the following topics: from binaries as test-beds of gravity theories to binary pulsars as cosmic laboratories; from binary star evolution to the formation of relativistic binaries; from short gamma-ray bursts to low mass X-ray binaries; from stellar-mass black hole binaries to coalescing super-massive black holes in galaxy mergers. The book will be useful to researchers, PhD and graduate students in Astrophysics, Cosmology, Physics and Mathematics, who are interested in relativistic astrophysics, experimental gravity and general relativity.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Binary systems as test-beds of gravity theories / Thibault Damour; title: Exploiting binary pulsars as laboratories of gravity theories / Michael Kramer; title: Perspective in the search for relativistic pulsars / Nichi D'Amico and Marta Burgay; title: The formation and evolution of relativistic binaries / E.P.J. van den Heuvel; title: Dynamical formation and evolution of neutron star and black hole binaries in globular cluster / Monica Colpi and Bernadetta Devecchi; title: Short gravitational field diagnostics in binary systems containing a compact object / L. Stella; title: White dwarfs in ultrashort binary systems / Gian Luca Israel and Simone Dall'Osso; title: Binary black hole coalescence / Frans Pretorius.