Gravitational Wave Signal Strength Calculator
Gravitational Wave Signal Strength Calculator estimates the strain amplitude of a gravitational wave signal from a binary merger based on source parameters.
Enter Source Parameters
e.g., 30 (typical binary black hole)
e.g., 400 (distance to source)
e.g., 100 (peak frequency)
e.g., 0 (face-on; 0–90 degrees)
Signal Strength Visualization
How to Use Gravitational Wave Signal Strength Calculator:
- Enter the chirp mass in solar masses (M⊙).
- Enter the luminosity distance in megaparsecs (Mpc).
- Enter the frequency at merger in Hz.
- Enter the inclination angle in degrees (0–90°).
- Click “Calculate Signal Strength” to get the strain amplitude h.
- Use “Copy Result” to copy the results (requires HTTPS).
- View the signal strength in the bar chart below.
Important Notes:
- Formula: \( h \approx \frac{(G \mathcal{M})^{5/3} (\pi f)^{2/3}}{c^4 D_L} (1 + \cos^2 i) \), where G is gravitational constant, c is speed of light, i is inclination.
- Assumes quadrupolar approximation for inspiral phase.
- Results are dimensionless strain h, typical values 10⁻²¹ to 10⁻²³ for LIGO detections.
- Inputs: Chirp mass ≥ 1 M⊙, distance ≥ 1 Mpc, frequency ≥ 10 Hz, inclination 0–90°.
- Clipboard access requires HTTPS; copy manually if it fails.
Signal Strength Examples:
-
GW150914-like:
Chirp Mass: 30 M⊙, Distance: 400 Mpc, Frequency: 100 Hz, Inclination: 0°
Expected: \( h \approx 1.2 \times 10^{-21} \) -
Nearby Event:
Chirp Mass: 20 M⊙, Distance: 100 Mpc, Frequency: 150 Hz, Inclination: 30°
Expected: \( h \approx 3.5 \times 10^{-21} \) -
Edge-on Distant:
Chirp Mass: 40 M⊙, Distance: 1000 Mpc, Frequency: 80 Hz, Inclination: 90°
Expected: \( h \approx 0.8 \times 10^{-22} \)
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