Coalescence Time of Compact Binary Systems

Abstract: Compact binary systems coalesce over time due to the radiation of gravitational waves, following the field equations of general relativity. Conservation of energy and angular momentum gives a mathematical description for the evolution of separation between the orbiting objects and eccentricity ($e$) of the orbit. We develop an improved analytical solution to the coalescence time for a circular binary system with an arbitrary semi-major axis, to the first post-Newtonian (1PN) accuracy. The results from the quadruple approximation and 1PN approximation are compared for a circular orbit ($e=0$).