Constraining mean-field models of the nuclear matter equation of state at low densities

Understand

An extension of the generalized relativistic mean-field (gRMF) model with density dependent couplings is introduced in order to describe thermodynamical properties and the composition of dense nuclear matter for astrophysical applications.

• Bound states of light nuclei and two-nucleon scattering correlations are considered as explicit degrees of freedom in the thermodynamical potential.
• They are represented by quasiparticles with medium-dependent properties.
• The model describes the correct low-density limit given by the virial equation of state (VEoS) and reproduces RMF results around nuclear saturation density where clusters are dissolved.