Paul Ophardt (HSU/UniBw H) & Prof. Dr. Katharina-Sophie Isleif (HSU/UniBw H)
In order to achieve the design sensitivity of the next-generation gravitational wave detector, the Einstein Telescope, improved modelling of Newtonian noise is required. Newtonian noise is caused by gravitational perturbations arising from density fluctuations, in particular those induced by seismic activity. In contrast to other noise sources, Newtonian noise cannot be easily isolated, as gravitational interactions cannot be shielded. Therefore, reliable modelling and effective mitigation strategies are essential.
In this project, we aim to improve seismic modelling by employing finite element method (FEM)-based simulations. We use the software library NGSolve to model the interaction of seismic waves with the infrastructure of the Einstein Telescope. We have implemented a computational framework that utilizes explicit time-stepping as well as local time-stepping schemes.
This is a collaborative project with the research groups of Prof. Isleif and Prof. Markus Bause at HSU, and Dr. Schlarb at DESY. The project is funded within the framework of DASHH – Data Science in Hamburg Helmholtz Graduate School for the Structure of Matter.