SPARSE SPECTRAL METHODS FOR BINARY STARS

 

We describe sparse, modal, multidomain spectral methods for neutron star binaries. In particular, we focus on the modal treatment of non-spherical stellar surfaces. Two issues arise. The first is loss of regularity in the stellar density at the surface. The second, pertinent for the numerical construction of stars via iterative solvers, is convergence breakdown as a stellar surface distorts. We address both issues (although the first only partially.)