Energy outflows in γ-ray bursts: discontinuous versus continuous?

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Gamma-Ray Sources, Gamma-Ray Bursts, Relativity And Gravitation

Scientific paper

The recent realization that energy conversion in γ-ray bursts is most likely via internal shocks rather than via external shocks provides additional information about the inner engine: the relativistic flow must be irregular, it must be variable on a short time scale, it must be able to turn off to a very low level and then turn on again, and it must be active for up to a few hundred seconds and possibly much longer. An acceptable model requires that the central engine evolves into a configuration which is stable enough to survive the violent gravitational instabilities associated with the merging/collapse of compact objects, while still keeping enough binding energy to power the burst and in some cases to be active again after some period of quiescence. At present, it is unclear if these separated emission episodes observed in some γ-ray burst light curves are consequences of the same physical process, and if the time separation is due to some intrinsic property of the central source or of its environment. The hypothesis of an intermittent central engine, although intriguing, has to be tested against observations. The feasibility of different models in the production of episodes of quiescence are discussed. Some key theoretical issues are highlighted, along with the types of observations that would determine whether or not the central engine goes dormant for a period of time comparable to the duration of the gaps. .

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Energy outflows in γ-ray bursts: discontinuous versus continuous? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Energy outflows in γ-ray bursts: discontinuous versus continuous?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Energy outflows in γ-ray bursts: discontinuous versus continuous? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1101168

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.