Neutrinos in the Aftermath of Neutron Star Mergers

Abstract

We performed three dimensional hydrodynamics simulations of the aftermath of a binary neutron star merger under the influence of neutrinos and in presence of a long-lived massive neutron star. Neutrino absorption inside the remnant triggers a ν-driven wind, inside which a significant amount of matter is ejected over several dynamical time scales. The increased electron fraction produces weak r-process nucleosynthesis in the ejecta, which powers an electromagnetic transient earlier and bluer than the one expected from full r-process nucleosynthesis. The presence of a massive neutron star in the centre increases significantly the rate at which neutrino pairs can deposit energy in the funnel above the remnant.