Smooth spectral equations of state in binary neutron star merger simulations with SpEC

Gravitational waves emitted from binary neutron star merger events can carry information about the total mass, orbital frequency, mass ratio, and compactness of the system and the stars. To reliably extract these parameters from gravitational wave observations, we need analytical waveform models calibrated to the results of high-accuracy simulations of merging binaries. However, in the Spectral Einstein Code (SpEC), high-order convergence of the simulated gravitational waveform requires smooth evolution variables, whereas most commonly used equations of state are either overly simplified or have discontinuities in the pressure function, resulting in increased errors and lower-order convergence. In this talk, we will present our results, errors, and analysis of a smooth, spectral equation of state using a series of simulations with a constant chirp mass, and varying mass ratios and resolutions.