Magnetohydrodynamics in full general relativity: Formulation and tests

Abstract

A new implementation for magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations in full general relativity (involving dynamical spacetimes) is presented. In our implementation, Einstein's evolution equations are evolved by a Baumgarte-Shapiro-Shibata-Nakamura formalism, MHD equations by a high-resolution central scheme, and induction equation by a constraint transport method. We perform numerical simulations for standard test problems in relativistic MHD, including special relativistic magnetized shocks, general relativistic magnetized Bondi flow in stationary spacetime, and a long-term evolution for self-gravitating system composed of a neutron star and a magnetized disk in full general relativity. In the final test, we illustrate that our implementation can follow winding-up of the magnetic field lines of magnetized and differentially rotating accretion disks around a compact object until saturation, after which magnetically driven wind and angular momentum transport inside the disk turn on. © 2005 The American Physical Society.