The thermonuclear model for gamma-ray bursts

TLDR

Helium and hydrogen accrete onto magnetically confined regions of a neutron star surface, and when a critical mass accumulates, magnetic field annihilation and particle acceleration can trigger a thermonuclear detonation. The model predicts that a helium detonation releases 10^38–10^40 erg s⁻¹ km⁻², creating a multibillion‑degree plasma that expands and stresses the magnetic field, producing a gamma‑ray burst. The calculated energy release and plasma expansion explain the observed high‑energy gamma‑ray bursts. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (July 1982, DOI 10.1086/160120).

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (92) References (72) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The thermonuclear model for gamma-ray bursts Woosley, S. E. ; Wallace, R. K. Abstract Inferential and quantitative evidence supporting a model of extrasolar high energy gamma-ray bursts as originating from thermonuclear explosions on highly magnetized neutron stars is discussed. The build-up of a critical mass of helium within small, magnetically focused regions of a neutron star surface is described as leading to magnetic field annihilation coupled with charged particle acceleration. Helium and hydrogen accrete and are magnetically confined on a proposed iron substrate. Several models are proposed which involve either maintenance of the confinement, spreading, or replacement of the He and H with Fe-56, with all models indicating some limit to the spreading of the accreted nuclear matter. Detonation of the He is calculated to release 10 to the 38th-40th ergs/sq km of thermonuclear energy, yielding multibillion degree plasma which expands and stresses the magnetic field, producing a gamma ray outburst. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: July 1982 DOI: 10.1086/160120 Bibcode: 1982ApJ...258..716W Keywords: Gamma Ray Bursts; Magnetohydrodynamics; Neutron Stars; Stellar Mass Accretion; Thermonuclear Reactions; X Ray Astronomy; Deflagration; Detonation; Helium; Hydrogen; Stellar Magnetic Fields; Stellar Models; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |