High density symmetric nuclear matter in the Bethe-Brueckner-Goldstone approach

Previous calculations of the equation of state of symmetric nuclear matter, with the inclusion of the three-hole-line contribution, are extended to densities up to about six times the saturation value. The calculations are performed for the Argone $v_{14}$ and the Argonne $v_{18}$ two-nucleon potentials, and a larger set of partial waves is included. Evidence for the convergence of the Bethe-Brueckner-Goldstone expansion, even at relatively high density, is presented. The contribution to the equation of state of the three-hole-line diagrams, within the continuous choice of the single-particle potential, turns out to be almost negligible, except at the highest densities.