# Full Numerical Studies of Extreme and Eccentric Binary Black Hole Mergers

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Rochester Institute of Tech (NY) · $150,150

## Abstract

Gravitational Wave Astronomy provides a revolutionary new view of the universe that can probe previously unexplored regions, including the interiors of neutron stars, collisions of black holes, which emit energy at luminosities exceeding the entire visible universe, and even remnants of the Big Bang. To gain new insights into the dynamics of the universe, gravitational waves astronomers need to be able to infer the nature of the sources from the observed signals, which can only be done using highly accurate numerical modeling of potential sources. The main goals of this project are to provide the necessary numerical models for some of the most challenging to simulate black-hole configurations, such as small mass ratios, highly spinning binaries, and highly energetic black hole collisions, as well as provide training to postdoctoral researchers and support graduate students in two interdisciplinary PhD programs at the Rochester Institute of Technolgy: Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, and Mathematical Modeling. 

This research will systematically produce waveforms for the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration to assist in source parametrization and model the remnant mass, spin, and gravitational recoil from binaries with small-mass-ratios, highly precessing binaries, highly spinning binaries, high energy collisions of black holes, and multiple (3 or more) black hole interactions, to elucidate astrophysical distribution impacts on black hole growth.  Key objectives include: Pro

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2513442
- **Awardee organization:** Rochester Institute of Tech (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** J6TWTRKC1X14
- **PI:** Carlos O Lousto
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $150,150
- **Funds obligated:** $150,150
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2513442

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2513442, Full Numerical Studies of Extreme and Eccentric Binary Black Hole Mergers. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2513442. Licensed CC0.

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