Neutron star properties from modern meson-exchange potential models

In this work the authors calculate the total mass, radius, moment of inertia, and surface gravitational redshift for neutron stars using various equations of state (EOS). The latter are derived from the recent meson-exchange potential models of the Bonn group, and both a non-relativistic and a relativistic EOS are derived. Of importance here is the fact that relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculations for symmetric nuclear matter meet the empirical data, which are not reproduced by non-relativistic calculations. Relativistic effects are known to be important at high densities, giving an increased repulsion. This leads to a stiffer EOS compared to the EOS derived with a non-relativistic approach. Both the non-relativistic and the relativistic EOS yield values for moment of inertia and redshifts in agreement with the accepted values. The relativistic EOS yields, however, too large mass and radius. The implications are discussed. 53 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs