Three-dimensional AMR simulations of long-duration Gamma-Ray Burst jets inside massive progenitor stars

TL;DR

This study uses 3D relativistic adaptive mesh refinement simulations to investigate gamma-ray burst jets inside massive stars, confirming their ability to break out while remaining relativistic and analyzing the effects of dimensionality on jet propagation.

Contribution

First 3D relativistic simulations of GRB jets inside stellar progenitors showing jet breakout and comparing 2D and 3D behaviors.

Findings

Jets can propagate and break out while relativistic.

3D jet head propagates slightly faster than 2D.

Jet properties are similar in 2D and 3D simulations.

Abstract

We present the results of special relativistic, adaptive mesh refinement, 3D simulations of gamma-ray burst jets expanding inside a realistic stellar progenitor. Our simulations confirm that relativistic jets can propagate and break out of the progenitor star while remaining relativistic. This result is independent of the resolution, even though the amount of turbulence and variability observed in the simulations is greater at higher resolutions. We find that the propagation of the jet head inside the progenitor star is slightly faster in 3D simulations compared to 2D ones at the same resolution. This behavior seems to be due to the fact that the jet head in 3D simulations can wobble around the jet axis, finding the spot of least resistance to proceed. Most of the jet properties, such as density, pressure, and Lorentz factor, are only marginally affected by the dimensionality of the simulations and therefore results from 2D simulations can be considered reliable.