Gravitational wave modelling and analysis for binary Neutron Star inspirals

Williams, Natalie ORCID: 0000-0002-5656-8119 (2025). Gravitational wave modelling and analysis for binary Neutron Star inspirals. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Williams2025PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (5MB)

Abstract

The detection of gravitational waves has revolutionised our understanding of the universe by providing direct insights into some of its most extreme phenomena. In particular, observations of gravitational waves from binary neutron star inspirals provide a unique opportunity to probe ultra-dense matter by placing constraints on the still-unknown neutron star equation of state. This information is encoded
within the tidal interactions between the neutron stars, which influence the merger dynamics, and imprint tidal information on the phase of the emitted gravitational waves. With dramatic increases in detector sensitivity anticipated, measurement accuracy will increase and currently undetectable features of the late inspiral and merger will be unveiled. To prepare for this, it is essential to: (i) quantify the tidal
measurements that can be expected from future detectors (ii) develop accurate, efficient and flexible tidal waveform models and (iii) assess the impact of assumptions on the resulting measurements. These are the key aims of this thesis. Firstly, we investigate the prospects of measuring higher order resonant tides with third generation detectors. Secondly, we develop a tidal waveform model for binary neutron star systems which provides efficiency whilst making minimal assumptions on nuclear matter. Finally we assess the validity of approximate equation of state
independent relations within gravitational wave analysis in the context of exotic matter.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):