The decompression of cold neutron star matter.
Abstract
The ejection of cold neutron-star matter is examined, and an attempt is made to determine whether the final composition of this matter may be similar to that normally associated with the hot high-neutron-flux r-process. A semiempirical liquid-drop model is used for the nucleus, and the equilibrium composition of the matter is determined by assuming it to be in its absolute ground state at a given density. Physical mechanisms operating during the expansion are analyzed, and the composition of the ejected matter is found as a function of its density during expansion. The results indicate that it is virtually impossible for deuterium to form, that neutrons can be captured only after beta decay increases the atomic numbers of nuclei, and that no free neutrons can escape. It is concluded that neutron-star ejecta can produce heavy neutron-rich nuclei and may produce somewhat heavier nuclei than a standard r-process.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1086/155148
- Bibcode:
- 1977ApJ...213..225L
- Keywords:
-
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Expansion;
- Neutron Stars;
- Nuclear Reactions;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Density (Mass/Volume);
- Heavy Nuclei;
- Matter (Physics);
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- Stellar Models;
- Stellar Temperature;
- Supernovae;
- Astrophysics