Chemical Equilibration in Neutron Star Mergers

ORAL

Abstract

In this talk, we will explore the role of chemical equilibrium in dense matter and its potential influence on fluid dynamics in neutron star mergers. Chemical equilibrium refers to the establishment of steady-state particle fractions via weak decay processes. Rapid changes in temperature and density can drive fluid elements out of chemical equilibrium, and weak interactions can restore equilibrium on a timescale that can be comparable to the fluid flow dynamics. We will examine the possibility that chemical equilibration could affect the post-merger gravitational wave emission and leave observable signatures.

*This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Award No. #DE-FG02- 05ER41375

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Publication: https://arxiv.org/abs/2207.00442

Presenters

  • Alexander Haber

    • Washington University, St. Louis

Authors

  • Alexander Haber

    • Washington University, St. Louis

  • Mark Alford

    • Washington University, St. Louis
    • Washington University

  • Jorge Noronha

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Elias R Most

    • Princeton University

  • Ziyuan Zhang

    • Washington University, St. Louis

  • Steven P Harris

    • University of Washington