LAUSR

Neutron-star mergers are closely related to nuclear physics. The nuclear equation of state determines the properties of neutron-star matter and sensitively affects the dynamics of the merger. Consequently, the gravitational-wave signal carries a strong imprint of the equation of state. This, in turn, offers the possibilities to infer incompletely known properties of high-density matter from observations of gravitational waves emitted by the neutron-star mergers. For instance, the frequency of the dominant postmerger oscillation mode is strongly affected by the stiffness of nuclear matter. Furthermore, unbound matter from the neutron-star mergers provides generally favorable conditions for the formation of heavy elements through the rapid neutron-capture process. The element formation is investigated by nuclear network calculations. The amounts of ejecta are influenced by the high-density equation of state, which also implies an impact on the properties of nuclear powered electromagnetic counterparts.