Validating relativistic models of nuclear structure against theoretical, experimental, and observational constraints

TL;DR

This paper validates relativistic nuclear models using independent constraints, showing that the FSUGold model aligns well with theoretical, experimental, and observational data, thus reducing calibration ambiguities.

Contribution

It introduces a validation approach for nuclear models against external constraints, enhancing model reliability beyond calibration data.

Findings

FSUGold model is consistent with most constraints

High-density equation of state in FSUGold is mildly softer than observations

Incorporating external constraints reduces calibration ambiguity

Abstract

Relativistic mean-field models of nuclear structure have been enormously successful at reproducing ground-state properties of finite nuclei throughout the periodic table using a handful of accurately calibrated parameters. In this contribution we use powerful theoretical, experimental, and observational constraints -- not employed in the calibration procedure -- to validate two such models: NL3 and FSUGold. It is observed that FSUGold is consistent with all these constraints, except perhaps for a high density equation of state that appears mildly softer than required by astronomical observations. It is argued that incorporating such constrains goes a long way in removing much of the ambiguity left over from the standard calibrating procedure.