Limiting Rotation Rate of Neutron Stars from Crust Breaking and Gravitational Waves

Morales, J. A.; Horowitz, C. J.

doi:10.3847/2041-8213/ad9ea7

Title: Limiting Rotation Rate of Neutron Stars from Crust Breaking and Gravitational Waves

Journal Article · 27 December 2024 · The Astrophysical Journal. Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad9ea7 · OSTI ID:2483916

Morales, J. A.; Horowitz, C. J.

Abstract Neutron stars are not observed to spin faster than about half their breakup rate. This limiting rotational frequency may be related to the strength of their crusts. As a star spins up from accretion, centrifugal forces stress the crust. We perform finite-element simulations of rotating neutron stars and find that the crust fails at rotation rates about half the breakup rate. Given uncertainties in microphysics, we have not determined the crust configuration after this failure. Instead, we argue that the crust may fail in an asymmetric way and could produce a configuration with a significant ellipticity (fractional difference in moments of inertia). If the ellipticity is large, a rotating star will radiate gravitational waves that may limit further spin-up. These stars may be promising sources for LIGO/VIRGO and next-generation gravitational-wave detectors.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: NONE; FG02-87ER40365

OSTI ID:: 2483916

Journal Information:: The Astrophysical Journal. Letters, Journal Name: The Astrophysical Journal. Letters Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 978; ISSN 2041-8205

Publisher:: American Astronomical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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