Binary Neutron Star Mergers: Testing Ejecta Models for High Mass-Ratios

Abstract

52 Allen Murray is currently a junior at Purdue University Northwest and is majoring in both physics and mathematics, with minors in astrophysics and French. He currently conducts research with Dr. Aaron Warren that focuses on binary neutron star mergers of particularly high mass ratio. Their research seeks to see how mass ejecta, kilonova, and gravitational wave characteristics can help determine neutron star structure and the nuclear equation of state. Murray intends to pursue a graduate degree in physics after completion of his BS in the spring of 2021. He also enjoys casual astronomical observation and French cooking. Aaron Warren is an associate professor of physics and director of the Science Interdisciplinary Research Center at Purdue University Northwest. Dr. Warren completed his AB degree at Vassar College, with majors in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, in 2000 and his PhD from Rutgers University in physics in 2006. He conducts research in both astrophysics and physics education research. His early work in computational astrophysics studied simulations of stellar collisions and the production of blue stragglers in globular clusters. Currently, Warren focuses on simulations of binary neutron star mergers having exceptional characteristics such as high mass ratios and magnetizations, with a particular interest in determining whether and how the electromagnetic and gravitational signals from such mergers may provide insights regarding the nuclear equation of state, neutron star structure, and merger remnant properties. BINARY NEUTRON STAR MERGERS: Testing Ejecta Models for High Mass-Ratios