Abstract Details

Name: Prasanta Bera
Affiliation: University of Southampton
Conference ID: ASI2021_483
Title : Does elasticity stabilize a magnetic neutron star?
Authors and Co-Authors : Prasanta Bera (University of Southampton)
Abstract Type : Poster
Abstract Category : Stars, ISM and Galaxy
Abstract : The configuration of the magnetic field in the interior of a neutron star is mostly unknown from observations. Theoretical models of the interior magnetic field geometry tend to be oversimplified to avoid mathematical complexity and mainly based on axisymmetric barotropic fluid systems. These static magnetic equilibrium configurations have been shown to be unstable on a short time-scale against an infinitesimal perturbation. Given this instability, it is relevant to consider how more realistic neutron star physics affects the outcome. In particular, it makes sense to ask if elasticity, which provides an additional restoring force on the perturbations, may stabilize the system. It is well known that the matter in the neutron star crust forms an ionic crystal. The interactions between the crystallized nuclei can generate shear stress against any applied strain. To incorporate the effect of the crust on the dynamical evolution of the perturbed equilibrium structure, we study the effect of elasticity on the instability of an axisymmetric magnetic star. In particular, we determine the critical shear modulus required to prevent magnetic instability and consider the corresponding astrophysical consequences.