Bubble dynamics in fluids with <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mml:mi>N</mml:mi></mml:math>-body simulations

Abstract

The authors set up a new method (proof of concept) for studying bubble wall dynamics in first-order cosmological phase transitions based on N-body simulations. The technique goes beyond commonly used perfect fluid descriptions and equilibrium assumptions. This allows e.g. the computation of the terminal bubble wall velocity, a key ingredient for determining the gravitational wave signal created in the cosmological phase transition, based on particle physics properties rather than on phenomenological fluid parameters.

Topics & Concepts