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Maximum Entropy Conjecture for Black Hole Mergers
Monica Rincon-Ramirez1,2, Nathan K Johnson-McDaniel3, Eugenio Bianchi1,2
1The Pennsylvania State University, Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Binary black hole mergers may follow a thermodynamic principle. A study suggests the final remnant black hole state is selected by maximizing entropy, aligning with numerical relativity predictions.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- General Relativity
- Black Hole Physics
Background:
- Numerical relativity accurately predicts binary black hole merger remnants.
- The underlying physical principles governing remnant selection remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a thermodynamic principle governs the final state of binary black hole mergers.
- To explore the role of entropy in remnant selection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized post-Newtonian relations for binary black hole mass (M) and angular momentum (J).
- Mapped instantaneous binary M and J to hypothetical Kerr black hole properties.
- Analyzed entropy behavior during binary evolution.
Main Results:
- Entropy exhibited a maximum during binary black hole merger evolution.
- This entropy maximum occurred at mass and angular momentum values close to final remnant states.
- Results were consistent when using both post-Newtonian and numerical relativity data.
Conclusions:
- Proposed an entropy maximization conjecture for binary black hole mergers.
- Suggests thermodynamic principles may dictate the final black hole state.
- Highlights a remarkable agreement between the conjecture and numerical relativity predictions.
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