General relativistic simulations of compact binary mergers as engines of short gamma-ray bursts

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent full general relativity magnetohydrodynamic simulations of black hole-neutron star and neutron star-neutron star mergers, shedding light on their potential as engines for short gamma-ray bursts.

Contribution

It summarizes the latest insights and lessons learned from state-of-the-art simulations of compact binary mergers as jet engines for gamma-ray bursts.

Findings

Identification of key ingredients for jet launching

Surprising behaviors observed in merger simulations

Enhanced understanding of merger conditions for GRB production

Abstract

Black hole - neutron star (BHNS) and neutron star - neutron star (NSNS) binaries are among the favored candidates for the progenitors of the black hole - disk systems that may be the engines powering short-hard gamma ray bursts. After almost two decades of simulations of binary NSNSs and BHNSs in full general relativity we are now beginning to understand the ingredients that may be necessary for these systems to launch incipient jets. Here, we review our current understanding, and summarize the surprises and lessons learned from state-of-the-art (magnetohydrodynamic) simulations in full general relativity of BHNS and NSNS mergers as jet engines for short-hard gamma-ray bursts.