r-Java 2.0: the astrophysics

TL;DR

r-Java 2.0 is a versatile nucleosynthesis simulation tool that models r-process element formation in various astrophysical environments, providing insights into conditions like neutron star mergers and supernovae.

Contribution

This paper details the incorporation of astrophysical environment modeling into r-Java 2.0, enabling simulation of different r-process sites with adjustable parameters.

Findings

Parameter surveys for each astrophysical site conducted.

Final abundance patterns compared with solar observations.

Differences in site conditions impact r-process yields.

Abstract

[Context:] This article is the second in a two part series introducing r-Java 2.0, a nucleosynthesis code for open use that performs r-process calculations and provides a suite of other analysis tools. [Aims:] The first paper discussed the nuclear physics inherent to r-Java 2.0 and in this article the astrophysics incorporated into the software will be detailed. [Methods:] R-Java 2.0 allows the user to specify the density and temperature evolution for an r-process simulation. Defining how the physical parameters (temperature and density) evolve can effectively simulate the astrophysical conditions for the r-process. Within r-Java 2.0 the user has the option to select astrophysical environments which have unique sets of input parameters available for the user to adjust. In this work we study three proposed r-process sites; neutrino-driven winds around a proto-neutron star, ejecta from a neutron star merger and ejecta from a quark nova. The underlying physics that define the temperature and density evolution for each site is described in this work. [Results:] In this paper a survey of the available parameters for each astrophysical site is undertaken and the effect on final r-process abundance is compared. The resulting abundances for each site are also compared to solar observations both independently and in concert. R-Java 2.0 is available for download from the website of the Quark-Nova Project: http://quarknova.ucalgary.ca/