Aug 12 – 13, 2026
Laurentian University
Canada/Eastern timezone

Can Gravitational Waves Alter Binary Inspirals?

Aug 12, 2026, 11:00 AM
12m
C-203 (Laurentian University)

C-203

Laurentian University

Session II Presentations

Speaker

Emily Spence (Carleton University)

Description

This thesis investigates whether an external gravitational wave (GW) can meaningfully alter the inspiral of an existing compact binary. Using linearized general relativity, geodesic deviation, and a driven-oscillator model applied to systems including PSR B1913+16 and OJ 287, I find that realistic external waves are far too weak to have a significant effect, although an extreme hypothetical “GW laser” could in principle slow, halt, or reverse an inspiral.

What area of study best describes your talk? Analysis

Authors

Dr Daniel Stolarski (Carleton University) Emily Spence (Carleton University)

Presentation materials