The purpose of the group is to bring those working in the simulation and analysis sides of the gravitational waves from binary black hole binaries closer. As simulations get closer to a stage where useful info can be extracted it becomes necesary to enable a more fluid dialogue with data analysts. Even when accurate waveforms of astrophysically relevant systems might not be available for the full merger phase, useful information for the data analysis can be extracted by searching for robust characteristics in the waveforms.
In the simulation side the goal is to simulate Einstein equations in full. This entails writing a `large' code capable of dealing with the system and cleanly extract the waveforms. In rough terms, two routes are being pursued. One based on the vast experience in dealing with `traditional' systems, where considerable expertise has been developed to handle the equations and produce implementations that last `long enough' to extract the desired physics. Another route is based on a more fundamental approach where a modified (and enlarged) system is employed. This system, written in symmetric hyperbolic form, is advantageous from a mathematical point of view, yet the experience with them, in general relativity, is just begining. Additionally, there are approximative schemes which can be used to shorten the length of time where the numerical simulation is required. In the pre-merger phase, Post Newtonian, effective body, quasi-equilibirium sequence and ressumation approaches are being pursued while in the post-merger phase perturbations around a single black hole spacetime.
On the data analysis side....