NUCLEAR DETONATION AROUND COMPACT OBJECTS

Abstract

In this study we explore the various aspects involved in nuclear detonations occurring around compact objects and the energetics involved. We discuss the possibility of sub-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs detonating due to the buildup of a layer of hydrogen on the CO white dwarf by accreting from a companion star to explain observed deviations such as subluminous type Ia. We also detail some of the energetics involved that will make such scenarios plausible. Also an alternate model for gamma ray bursts is suggested. For a very close binary system, the white dwarf (close to Chandrasekhar mass limit) can detonate due to tidal heating, leading to a supernova. Material falling on to the neutron star at relativistic velocities can cause its collapse to a magnetar or quark star or black hole leading to a gamma ray burst. As the material smashes on to the neutron star, it is dubbed the Smashnova model. Here the supernova is followed by a gamma ray burst.