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Dissipative tides in binary neutron star mergers

Objective

One of the central challenges in fundamental physics is determining the composition and behavior of dense matter inside neutron star cores. The direct detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from the binary neutron star merger GW170817, together with its electromagnetic counterpart, has opened a new era in multi-messenger astrophysics for probing neutron star interiors. The next generation of GW interferometers, such as the Einstein Telescope in Europe, will achieve unprecedented sensitivities, but their scientific return will depend critically on careful detector design, the development of robust waveform models, and advanced data-analysis techniques.

Accurate inference of the dense matter equation of state from GW observations requires precise modeling of the emitted signals. While current waveform models for binary neutron stars include conservative tidal effects, they neglect dissipative effects arising from fluid viscosity, which is often assumed to be negligible. However, recent studies indicate that dissipation from exotic phases, such as hyperons or deconfined quark matter in neutron star cores, could be significant. DissTideBNS will advance our understanding of how fluid dissipation impacts the dynamics of binary neutron star mergers using numerical relativity simulations and deliver improved waveform models, an essential step toward constraining the dense matter equation of state. DissTideBNS will also contribute to the science capability assessment of the Einstein Telescope at a critical time for its design choices.

Dr. Suprovo Ghosh, an expert in nuclear and relativistic astrophysics, will join the Theoretical Astrophysics group of Prof. Tim Dietrich at the University of Potsdam, Germany. This ideal placement offers him necessary training for his future academic career and provides the ideal environment to combine his expertise with numerical relativity simulations to address the challenge of tidal dissipation in binary neutron star mergers.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET POTSDAM
Net EU contribution
€ 202 125,12
Address
AM NEUEN PALAIS 10
14469 Potsdam
Germany
Region
Brandenburg Brandenburg Potsdam
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data