Modeling the gravitational waves from comparable mass binary systems: including spin and finite size effects

Abstract: In the next few years the direct detection of gravitational waves from coalescing neutron star and black hole binaries by an international network of laser interferometers will become a realistic prospect. This will open the possibility for a wide range of unique science, however, realizing the science goals will require overcoming a variety of experimental and theoretical challenges. On the theoretical side, extracting the signals from the detector noise and deciphering the physics encoded in the waves will be contingent on having highly accurate models for the dynamics and emitted gravitational waves. I will describe recent work on modeling the signatures due to spins and the nuclear matter in neutron stars, and on connecting the analytical results with numerical relativity simulations. I will also outline aspects requiring further work.