XQCD 2018

QCD equation of state at finite baryon density is studied in the framework of a Cluster Expansion Model (CEM), which is based on a fugacity expansion of the net baryon density. CEM uses the leading two Fourier coefficients from lattice simulations at imaginary $\mu_B$ as the only model input. Excellent description of the available lattice data at both $\mu_B = 0$ and at imaginary $\mu_B$ is obtained. Questions regarding the radius of convergence of the Taylor expansion, the analytic structure of CEM, and the effective parameterization of QCD equation of state at finite $\mu_B$ are discussed.