Mapping the internal friction of the universe's hottest and densest matter
In short: Researchers used Bayesian inference to model the transport properties of the quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter that existed shortly after the Big Bang. By combining data from the Large Hadron Collider and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, the team was able to simultaneously describe a wide range of hadronic observables, providing a clearer picture of how this extreme substance flows.
The study is significant because it helps define the shear and bulk viscosities of the plasma at temperatures between 150 and 250 MeV. However, the researchers found that the precision of these constraints weakens as temperatures rise above 250 MeV.
The team used a multistage model involving initial conditions, hydrodynamics, and hadronic transport. A key limitation is that the results are highly sensitive to the specific methods used to transition between the fluid-like and particle-like phases of the matter.
Why it matters: Understanding the friction of primordial matter helps physicists reconstruct the conditions of the early universe.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Source: Research: Everett et al. (2021). Multisystem Bayesian constraints on the transport coefficients of QCD matter. Physical Review C. · cc-by
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-research-mapping-the-internal-friction-of-the-universe-s-hottest-and.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Particle physics · More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics
