Work

The decompression of cold neutron star matter

Year: 1977

Type: article

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.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.1086/155148

Authors: J. M. Lattimer, F. Mackie, D. G. Ravenhall, D. N. Schramm

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear physics research studies

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, University of Chicago, University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

OpenAlex ID: W1986183096

FWCI: 1.857

Cites: 1

Cited by: 217

Related to: 10