Spritz: a new fully general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic code

TL;DR

Spritz is a new general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic code capable of simulating neutron star mergers with detailed physics including temperature-dependent equations of state and neutrino effects, advancing astrophysical modeling.

Contribution

The paper introduces Spritz, a novel GRMHD code that integrates advanced physics features like tabulated equations of state and neutrino radiation, with a robust divergence-free magnetic field implementation.

Findings

Successfully implemented 3D GRMHD simulations with temperature-dependent EOS.

Performed robustness tests including special and general relativity scenarios.

Compared vector potential formulations to ensure magnetic divergence-free condition.

Abstract

The new era of multimessenger astrophysics requires the capability of studying different aspects of the evolution of compact objects. In particular, the merger of neutron star binaries is a strong source of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, from radio to $\gamma$-rays, as demonstrated by the detection of GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterparts. In order to understand the physical mechanisms involved in such systems, it is necessary to employ fully general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations able to include the effects of a composition and temperature dependent equation of state describing neutron star matter as well as neutrino emission and reabsorption. Here, we present our new code named $\texttt{Spritz}$ that solves the GRMHD equations in 3D Cartesian coordinates and on a dynamical spacetime. The code can support tabulated equations of state, taking into account finite temperature effects and allowing for the inclusion of neutrino radiation. In this first paper, we present the general features of the code and a series of tests performed in special and general relativity to assess the robustness of the basic GRMHD algorithms implemented. Among these tests, we also present the first comparison between a non-staggered and a staggered formulation of the vector potential evolution, which is used to guarantee the divergence-less character of the magnetic field. With respect to other publicly available GRMHD codes, $\texttt{Spritz}$ combines the robust approach of a staggered formulation of the vector potential together with the use of an equation of state driver ($\texttt{EOS_Omni}$) that can allow the code to use finite temperature equations of state. A next version of the code will fully test the $\texttt{EOS_Omni}$ driver by coupling it with a neutrino leakage scheme.