Phase transition dynamics for baryon-dense matter

Understand

We construct a simple two-phase equation of state intended to resemble that of compressed baryon-rich matter and then introduce a gradient term in the compressional energy density to take account of fintie-range effects in non-uniform configurations.

• With this model we study the interface between the two coexisting phases and obtain estimates for the associated interface tension.
• Subsequently, we incorporate the finite-range equation of state into ideal or viscous fluid dynamics and derive the collective dispersion relation for the mechanically unstable modes of bulk matter in the spinodal region of the thermodynamic phase diagram.
• Combining these results with time scales extracted from existing dynamical transport simulations, we discuss the prospects for spinodal phase separation to occur in nuclear collisions.