Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1999-11-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
20 pages, 6 postscript figures, uses AASTeX macros, submitted to ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1086/317121
Gravitational, magnetic and superfluid forces can stress the crust of an evolving neutron star. Fracture of the crust under these stresses could affect the star's spin evolution and generate high-energy emission. We study the growth of strain in the crust of a spinning down, magnetized neutron star and examine the initiation of crust cracking (a {\em starquake}). In preliminary work (Link, Franco & Epstein 1998), we studied a homogeneous model of a neutron star. Here we extend this work by considering a more realistic model of a solid, homogeneous crust afloat on a liquid core. In the limits of astrophysical interest, our new results qualitatively agree with those from the simpler model: the stellar crust fractures under shear stress at the rotational equator, matter moves to higher latitudes and the star's oblateness is reduced. Magnetic stresses favor faults directed toward the magnetic poles. Thus our previous conclusions concerning the star's spin response still hold; namely, asymmetric redistribution of matter excites damped precession which could ultimately lead to an increase in the spin-down torque. Starquakes associated with glitches could explain the permanent {\em offsets} in period derivative observed to follow glitches in at least three pulsars.
Epstein Richard I.
Franco Lucia M.
Link Bennett
No associations
LandOfFree
Quaking Neutron Stars 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 Quaking Neutron Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quaking Neutron Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-723649