Fifth RIT catalog of binary black hole simulations: Multiple-resolution studies of eccentric orbits
Phys. Rev. D 114, 064095 – Published 29 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/p77n-6fxw
Abstract
This fifth release of the RIT public catalog of numerical relativity binary black hole waveforms introduces an additional 248 configurations, prioritizing 197 newly simulated eccentric orbits. This update brings the catalog to a total of 2129 cases. All waveforms are corrected for center-of-mass drift and extrapolated to future null infinity. To rigorously estimate waveform errors, we conduct multiple-resolution convergence studies on 10 eccentric simulations (up to 33 orbits to merger) using three global resolutions increasing by factors of 1.2, plus a comprehensive six-resolution study for a single 18-orbit configuration. We evaluate waveform accuracy by computing mismatches against theoretical infinite-resolution extrapolations. Additionally, we analyze the convergence properties of key physical observables: merger times, number of orbits, final masses, final spins, recoil velocities, and the peak amplitude, frequency, and luminosity of the gravitational radiation.
