General-relativistic simulations of binary neutron-star mergers: Gravitational waves and gamma-ray bursts on supercomputers

Abstract

Binary neutron star systems are of scientific interest for two main reasons: they are strong sources of gravitational waves, and they are thought to be the engine powering one type of gamma-ray bursts. I will talk about both topics. In particular, I will present my general relativistic simulations of binary neutron star mergers and of the evolution of the merged object (black-hole plus disc). I will focus also on how we can get information about the equation of state of ultra-high density matter by measuring the gravitational signal from binary neutron star mergers.