Modeling long GRBs using a single shock with relativistic radiation hydrodynamics

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether a single relativistic shock coupled with radiation can model the light curves of long gamma-ray bursts by numerically solving relativistic radiation hydrodynamics equations and fitting observed data.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using a single shock model with radiation hydrodynamics to fit long GRB light curves, expanding the understanding of GRB emission mechanisms.

Findings

Successful fitting of two long GRB light curves

Demonstration of how shock velocity and opacity affect light curve features

Validation of single shock model as a plausible explanation for long GRBs

Abstract

We explore the possibility that a single relativistic shock, where the gas dynamics is coupled with radiation, can fit the light curves of long GRBs. For this we numerically solve the one dimensional relativistic radiation hydrodynamics equations with a single initial shock. We calculate light curves due to the evolution of this shock in terms of the velocity of the shock, the opacity of the gas, mass density and density of radiated energy. We explore how the variation of each of these parameters provides different features in the light curves. As examples we include the fitting of two long GRBs.