Spectral classification of gravitational-wave emission and equation of state constraints in binary neutron star mergers

Understand

The first detection of gravitational waves from a binary neutron star merger (GW170817) and the accompanying electromagnetic emission has impressively advanced our understanding of the merger process and has set some first constraints on the macroscopic properties of neutron stars, with direct implications for the high-density equation of state.

• We discuss work on neutron star mergers focusing on the postmerger gravitational-wave emission.
• These studies are based on numerical simulations of the merger and survey a large sample of candidate equations of state for neutron star matter.
• The goal is to connect observables with the underlying physics questions.