Electrodynamics and dissipation in the binary magnetosphere of pre-merger neutron stars
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arXiv
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| Natura: | Preprint |
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2024
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| author | Mahlmann, Jens F. Beloborodov, Andrei M. |
| author_facet | Mahlmann, Jens F. Beloborodov, Andrei M. |
| contents | We investigate energy release in the interacting magnetospheres of binary neutron stars (BNSs) with global 3D force-free electrodynamics simulations. The system dynamics depend on the inclinations $χ_1$ and $χ_2$ of the stars' magnetic dipole moments relative to their orbital angular momentum. The simplest aligned configuration ($χ_1=χ_2=0^\circ$) has no magnetic field lines connecting the two stars. Remarkably, it still develops separatrix current sheets warping around each star and a dissipative region at the interface of the two magnetospheres. A Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH)-type instability drives significant dissipation at the magnetospheric interface, generating local Alfvénic turbulence and escaping fast magnetosonic waves. Binaries with inclined magnetospheres release energy in two ways: via KH instability at the interface and via magnetic reconnection flares in the twisted flux bundles connecting the companions. Outgoing compressive waves occur in a broad range of BNS parameters, possibly developing shocks and sourcing fast radio bursts. We discuss implications for X-ray and radio precursors of BNS mergers. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2412_16280 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Electrodynamics and dissipation in the binary magnetosphere of pre-merger neutron stars Mahlmann, Jens F. Beloborodov, Andrei M. High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena Solar and Stellar Astrophysics Plasma Physics We investigate energy release in the interacting magnetospheres of binary neutron stars (BNSs) with global 3D force-free electrodynamics simulations. The system dynamics depend on the inclinations $χ_1$ and $χ_2$ of the stars' magnetic dipole moments relative to their orbital angular momentum. The simplest aligned configuration ($χ_1=χ_2=0^\circ$) has no magnetic field lines connecting the two stars. Remarkably, it still develops separatrix current sheets warping around each star and a dissipative region at the interface of the two magnetospheres. A Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH)-type instability drives significant dissipation at the magnetospheric interface, generating local Alfvénic turbulence and escaping fast magnetosonic waves. Binaries with inclined magnetospheres release energy in two ways: via KH instability at the interface and via magnetic reconnection flares in the twisted flux bundles connecting the companions. Outgoing compressive waves occur in a broad range of BNS parameters, possibly developing shocks and sourcing fast radio bursts. We discuss implications for X-ray and radio precursors of BNS mergers. |
| title | Electrodynamics and dissipation in the binary magnetosphere of pre-merger neutron stars |
| topic | High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena Solar and Stellar Astrophysics Plasma Physics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.16280 |