#2759: TwoPunctures swap_xz results in left-handed coordinate system

Reporter: Zach Etienne Status: new Milestone: Version: Type: bug Priority: minor Component:

A word of caution:

Swapping x<->z in TwoPunctures (parameter swap_xz = true) results in a **non-right-handed coordinate system** (coordinate permutation zyx). This flips the sign of the y-component of the BH spin vectors away from what one might expect.

In BH@H ([https://github.com/nrpy/nrpy/blob/main/nrpy/infrastructures/BHaH/general%5C_...) I implemented a permutation xyz → zxy in TwoPunctures that maintains right-handedness, so the BHs will orbit on the zx plane instead of the xy plane. The inputs, including y-components of spin vectors, are consistent with the BHs initially orbiting on the xy plane, which is generally assumed in PN theory.

I would recommend implementing a warning in TwoPunctures when swap_xz is enabled, to make sure the user is aware of the implications of swapping x and z.

-- Ticket URL: https://bitbucket.org/einsteintoolkit/tickets/issues/2759/twopunctures-swap_...