APS Logo

The nuclear materials science of neutron star mergers

ORAL · Invited

Abstract

Neutron star mergers are like material science experiments, probing the properties of hot and dense nuclear matter. The merger causes dramatic changes in temperature and density that happen in milliseconds, thereby probing dynamical properties that may help us uncover the phase structure of ultra-dense matter. I will describe some of the relevant material properties, focusing on beta equilibration and its consequences such as bulk viscosity.

Presenters

  • Mark Alford

    Washington University, St. Louis, Washington University

Authors

  • Mark Alford

    Washington University, St. Louis, Washington University