The merging of two neutron stars (MNS) is thought to be the source of short gamma-ray bursts (SGRB) and gravitational wave transients, as well as the main production site of rprocess elements like Eu. We have derived a new delay time distribution (DTD) for MNS from theoretical considerations and we have tested it against (i) the SGRB redshift distribution and (ii) the Galactic evolution of Eu and Fe, in particular the [Eu/Fe] versus [Fe/H] relation. For comparison, we also tested other DTDs, as proposed in the literature. To address the first item, we have convolved the DTD with the cosmic star formation rate, while for the second we have employed a detailed chemical evolution model of the Milky Way. We have also varied the DTD of Type Ia SNe (the main Fe producers), the contribution to Eu production from core-collapse SNe, as well as explored the effect of a dependence on the metallicity of the occurrence probability of MNS. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) The SGRB redshift distribution can be fitted using DTDs for MNS that produce average time-scales of 300-500 Myr; (ii) If the MNS are the sole producers of the Galactic Eu and the occurrence probability ofMNSis constant the Eu production time-scalemust be on the order of ≲30 Myr; (iii) Allowing for the Eu production in core-collapse SNe or adopting a metallicitydependent occurrence probability, allow us to reproduce both observational constraints, but many uncertainties are still present in both assumptions.

A new delay time distribution for merging neutron stars tested against Galactic and cosmic data

Simonetti P.
;
Matteucci F.;Cescutti G.
2019-01-01

Abstract

The merging of two neutron stars (MNS) is thought to be the source of short gamma-ray bursts (SGRB) and gravitational wave transients, as well as the main production site of rprocess elements like Eu. We have derived a new delay time distribution (DTD) for MNS from theoretical considerations and we have tested it against (i) the SGRB redshift distribution and (ii) the Galactic evolution of Eu and Fe, in particular the [Eu/Fe] versus [Fe/H] relation. For comparison, we also tested other DTDs, as proposed in the literature. To address the first item, we have convolved the DTD with the cosmic star formation rate, while for the second we have employed a detailed chemical evolution model of the Milky Way. We have also varied the DTD of Type Ia SNe (the main Fe producers), the contribution to Eu production from core-collapse SNe, as well as explored the effect of a dependence on the metallicity of the occurrence probability of MNS. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) The SGRB redshift distribution can be fitted using DTDs for MNS that produce average time-scales of 300-500 Myr; (ii) If the MNS are the sole producers of the Galactic Eu and the occurrence probability ofMNSis constant the Eu production time-scalemust be on the order of ≲30 Myr; (iii) Allowing for the Eu production in core-collapse SNe or adopting a metallicitydependent occurrence probability, allow us to reproduce both observational constraints, but many uncertainties are still present in both assumptions.
2019
Pubblicato
https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/486/2/2896/5432367
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Simonetti_2019.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. This article has been accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ©: 2019 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.
Tipologia: Documento in Versione Editoriale
Licenza: Digital Rights Management non definito
Dimensione 1.46 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.46 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11368/2976937
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 47
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 46
social impact