Neutron Stars from White Dwarf Mergers: Under 1.4 SM?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the formation of neutron stars from white dwarf mergers, particularly when the combined mass is below the Chandrasekhar limit of 1.4 solar masses (SM). Participants express uncertainty about whether such mergers will result in neutron stars or remain as white dwarfs. The consensus suggests that if the mass is under 1.4 SM, the outcome is likely to be a white dwarf, although the merged star may exhibit new fusion processes before stabilizing. The potential for neutron star formation from these mergers remains a topic of interest and debate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of white dwarf stars and their characteristics
  • Familiarity with the Chandrasekhar limit in stellar physics
  • Knowledge of nuclear fusion processes in stars
  • Basic concepts of stellar evolution and supernova types
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Chandrasekhar limit and its implications for stellar evolution
  • Explore the processes involved in white dwarf mergers and their outcomes
  • Study the mechanisms of nuclear fusion in stellar environments
  • Investigate the formation and characteristics of neutron stars
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in stellar evolution and the dynamics of white dwarf mergers.

AdamAutism1998
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I think this could be a good chance that we see how neutron stars form from White Dwarf mergers. The combined mass of the two are less that than required for a type Ia Supernovae. Won't they merge and collapse into a neutron star? What does everyone else think might happen. I want to be sure if lesser massive degenerate mergers which total under 1.4 SM form neutron stars.
 
AdamAutism1998 said:
I think this could be a good chance that we see how neutron stars form from White Dwarf mergers. The combined mass of the two are less that than required for a type Ia Supernovae. Won't they merge and collapse into a neutron star? What does everyone else think might happen. I want to be sure if lesser massive degenerate mergers which total under 1.4 SM form neutron stars.

Hmmm... I honestly don't know what would happen. I'd guess that the sudden addition of mass would kickstart nuclear fusion and form a new star, not collapse into a neutron star. I'll have to look up more on this.
 
AdamAutism1998 said:
I think this could be a good chance that we see how neutron stars form from White Dwarf mergers. The combined mass of the two are less that than required for a type Ia Supernovae. Won't they merge and collapse into a neutron star?

If combined mass is below Chandrasekhar limit, the end result should be a white dwarf. It's quite likely merged star will have some new ways to achieve fusion, so it may take a while (a few million years?) before it settles into white dwarf state.
 

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