Eccentricity estimation from initial data for numerical relativity simulations

We describe and study an instantaneous definition of eccentricity to be applied at the initial moment of full numerical simulations of binary black holes. The method consists of evaluating the eccentricity at the moment of maximum separation of the binary. We estimate it using up to third post-Newtonian (3PN) order and compare these estimates with the results of evolving (conservative) 3PN equations of motion for a full orbit and compute the eccentricity e(r) from the radial turning points, finding excellent agreement. We then include terms with spins up to 3.5PN and next compare this initial data eccentricity estimate method with the turning points estimates of the eccentricity e(r)(NR) during full numerical evolutions of spinning binary black holes, characterized invariantly by a fractional factor 0 <= f <= 1 of the initial tangential momenta to a quasicircular one. We find that our initial instantaneous definition is a particularly useful and accurate tool to predict and characterize even highly eccentric full numerical simulations.