RUI: studies in numerical relativity

The National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences awarded Bowdoin College $269,999 on August 1, 2026, as a Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Project Grant to advance understanding of gravity and its role in the evolution of the universe through numerical relativity research.

The award funds development and implementation of numerical algorithms for solving Einstein's equations of general relativity and their application to relativistic astrophysics, with particular emphasis on numerical modeling of black holes, their formation, and their interaction with other stars. The project addresses three areas of gravitational physics: critical collapse to understand the properties of the black-hole formation threshold, astrophysical signatures of collisions between small and potentially primordial black holes and larger stars, and investigation of whether the observed properties of the universe require specific initial conditions at the Big Bang or arise independently of Big Bang particulars. Undergraduate students at Bowdoin College will participate in these research activities, providing hands-on research experience and creating a research-enriched learning environment.

The period of performance runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. Work is performed at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. The Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) promotes progress in mathematical and physical sciences to strengthen the Nation's scientific enterprise and enhance understanding of major problems confronting the Nation.

Abstract

Einstein?s theory of general relativity describes one of the four fundamental forces, namely gravity. IT governs all gravitational interactions in the universe, ranging from the force that pulls a falling apple to the earth to the expansion of the universe itself. In particular, this theory describes black holes ? I.e., objects whose gravitational force is so strong that even light cannot escape. The goal of this award is to advance our understanding of gravity and its role in the evolution of the universe by considering several different astrophysical processes. Could arbitrarily small black holes form in the collapse of gravitational fields themselves? Could the collision of a small black hole with a larger star trigger some type of supernova? Would any universe have the properties that we observe today, independently of the particulars of the big bang, or do these observed properties require very specific conditions at the time of the big bang? Finding answers to these questions requires the tools of numerical relativity, i.e., computer programs that can find solutions to einstein?s equations of general relativity numerically. Undergraduate students will participate in these activities, providing them with a hands-on research experience and generating a research-enriched learning environment at bowdoin college. The project's scientific goals in numerical relativity include the development and implementation of numerical algorithms for the solution of einstein's equations of general relativity, as well as their application in relativistic astrophysics, in particular in the numerical modeling of black holes, their formation, and their interaction with other STARS. Three different areas of gravitational physics are covered by this project: (i) critical collapse, aimed at better understanding the properties of the threshold of black-hole formation, (II) astrophysical signatures of the collision of small and potentially primordial black holes and larger STARS, and (III) cosmological simulations with the goal of better understanding the robustness of inflation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.