## [1101.0996] The Carter Constant for Inclined Orbits About a Massive Kerr Black Hole: II. near-circular, near-polar orbits

Authors: P. G. Komorowski, S. R. Valluri, M. Houde

Date: 5 Jan 2011

Abstract: In an extreme mass ratio binary black hole system, a non-equatorial orbit will list (i.e. increase its angle of inclination, ${\iota}$) as it evolves in Kerr spacetime. The abutment, a set of evolving near-polar retrograde orbits for which the instantaneous Carter constant (${Q)}$ is at its maximum value (${Q}_{X}$), for given values of latus rectum (${\tilde{l}}$) and eccentricity (${e}$), has been introduced as a device by which the consistency of $dQ/dt$ with corresponding evolution equations for $d\tilde{l}% /dt$ and $de/dt$ might be tested, and as a means of elucidating second-order effects on the listing rate of the orbital angle of inclination, $\partial {% \iota}/\partial {t}$ (independently of a specific radiation back-reaction model). Our present work expands upon these two uses.

#### Jan 07, 2011

1101.0996 (/preprints)
2011-01-07, 22:18