Towards the Keplerian sequence: Realistic equations of state in rapidly rotating neutron stars

Neutron stars are among the densest known objects in the universe and an ideal laboratory for the strange physics of super-condensed matter. In the present work, we investigate the Keplerian (mass-shedding) sequence of rotating neutron stars by employing realistic equations of state based on various theoretical nuclear models. In particular, we compute the moment of inertia and angular momentum of neutron stars against mass-shedding and secular axisymmetric instability. We mainly focus on the dependence of these properties from the bulk properties of neutron stars. Another property that studied in detail, is the dimensionless spin parameter (kerr parameter) of rotating neutron stars at the mass-shedding limit. In addition, supramassive time evolutionary rest mass sequences, which have their origin in general relativity, are explored. Supramassive sequences have masses exceeding the maximum mass of a non-rotating neutron star and evolve toward catastrophic collapse to a black hole. Important information can be gained from the astrophysical meaning of the kerr parameter and the supramassive sequences in neutron stars. Finally, the effects of the Keplerian sequence, in connection with the latter, may provide us constraints on the high density part of the equation of state of cold neutron star matter.

Triadic resonances in the wide-gap spherical Couette system

The spherical Couette system, consisting of a viscous fluid between two differentially rotating concentric spheres, is studied using numerical simulations and compared with experiments performed at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany. We concentrate on the case where the outer boundary rotates fast enough for the Coriolis force to play an important role in the force balance, and the inner boundary rotates slower or in the opposite direction as compared to the outer boundary. As the magnitude of differential rotation is increased, the system is found to transition through three distinct hydrodynamic regimes. The first regime consists of the emergence of the first non-axisymmetric instability. Thereafter one finds the onset of ‘fast’ equatorially antisymmetric inertial modes, with pairs of inertial modes forming triadic resonances with the first instability. A further increase in the magnitude of differential rotation leads to the flow transitioning to turbulence. Using an artificial excitation, we study how the background flow modifies the inertial mode frequency and structure, thereby causing departures from the eigenmodes of a full sphere and a spherical shell. We investigate triadic resonances of pairs of inertial modes with the fundamental instability. We explore possible onset mechanisms through numerical experiments.