Supernovae: Constraints on the Equation of State

We are studying effects on the supernova evolution of various proposed phase changes of matter at densities in excess of nuclear matter density. The affect of these phase changes on the neutrino signal and the explosion kinetic energy can be used to constrain various physical parameters characterizing the phase transitions.

References

• N. Gentile, M. B. Aufderheide, G. J. Mathews, F. D. Swesty, and G. M. Fuller, "The QCD Phase Transition and Supernova Collapse," Astrophys. J., 414, 701 (1993).
• N. A. Gentile, J. Hughes, & G. J. Mathews, "Q-Star Equation of State and the Prompt Shock in Supernovae," Physical Review D, (1995).

For more information about these research projects of the Astrophysics Group, please send us an e-mail to gmathews@nd.edu.