A Python-Based Simulation of Gravitational WaveDetection from Binary Black Hole Inspirals
LI Bolin1 * ,LIN Qiqi1 , RONG Riyan 2 * * ,LIU Shuai1*
School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China;2. No. 1 Secondary School of Zhaoqing( Education group),Zhaoqing 526060, China
Abstract: Gravitational wave detection from binary black holes represents a major frontier in modern astronomyand physics. Incorporating this topic into undergraduate physics education can stimulate students' interest andenhance their scientific literacy. However, the subject involves concepts from general relativity, wavepropagation, and laser interferometry,featuring abstract physical images and complex causal chains that posesignificant challenges in classroom instruction. To address these difficulties, this study develops a simplified yetself-consistent Python-based simulation of gravitational wave detection from binary black hole inspirals. Themodel organically integrates three key physical processes-binary black hole orbital evolution, gravitationalwave generation, and detector response-and presents them through dynamic visualization on a unified timeaxis. The simulation demonstrates the inspiral motion of binary black holes, the time-domain evolution ofgravitational wave strains, the variation in interferometer amm lengths, and the resulting interference fringepatterns.It provides an intuitive and operable instructional tool to support classroom teaching and inquiry -basedlearning of the principles underlying gravitational wave detection from binary black holes.
李柏霖 , 林淇淇 , 容日炎 , 刘帅 . 基于 Python 的双黑洞旋近引力波探测模拟[J]. 大学物理实验, 2026, 39(4): 102-105.
LI Bolin, LIN Qiqi , RONG Riyan , LIU Shuai. A Python-Based Simulation of Gravitational WaveDetection from Binary Black Hole Inspirals. Physical Experiment of College, 2026, 39(4): 102-105.