2023 journal article
Extended body dynamics in general relativity: Hyperelastic models
Phys.Rev.D, 108(8), 084020.
open access via arxiv.org (repository)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 1, 2024
We present a numerical framework for modeling extended hyperelastic bodies based on a Lagrangian formulation of general relativistic elasticity theory. We use finite element methods to discretize the body, then use the semi--discrete action to derive ordinary differential equations of motion for the discrete nodes. The nodes are evolved in time using fourth--order Runge--Kutta. We validate our code against the normal modes of oscillation of a hyperelastic sphere, which are known analytically in the limit of small (linear), slow (Newtonian) oscillations. The algorithm displays second order convergence. This numerical framework can be used to obtain the orbital motion and internal dynamics of a hyperelastic body of any shape, for any spacetime metric, and for varying hyperelastic energy models.