For an inspiraling neutron-star–black-hole (NS-BH) binary, we estimate the gravity-wave frequency $f_{\mathrm{td}}$ at the onset of NS tidal disruption. We model the NS as a tidally distorted, homogeneous, Newtonian ellipsoid on a circular, equatorial geodesic around a Kerr BH. We find that $f_{\mathrm{td}}$ depends strongly on the NS radius $R$, and estimate that LIGO-II (ca. 2006–2008) might measure $R$ to $15\%$ precision at 140 Mpc ( $\sim 1\mathrm{event}/\mathrm{yr}$ under current estimates). This suggests that LIGO-II might extract valuable information about the NS equation of state from tidal-disruption waves.

• Received 8 December 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.3519