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Effects of magnetically driven shocks on nucleosynthesis and kilonovae from neutron star mergers

Yuan Feng1,*, Oleg Korobkin2, Elias R. Most3,4,†, Ananda F. Smith1,5, and Christopher J. Fontes2,6

  • *Contact author: yfeng2@caltech.edu
  • †Contact author: emost@caltech.edu
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Phys. Rev. D 114, 083018 – Published 7 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/kmtf-sc2j

Abstract

Neutron-star mergers can launch mildly relativistic to moderately relativistic outflows whose interaction with the ejecta can reshape kilonova emission. We parametrically study magnetically powered outbursts from long-lived merger remnants, such as flarelike eruptions and collapse-driven shocks, and quantify their impact on ejecta dynamics, composition, and observables. Using two-dimensional special-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we follow magnetized blast waves injected into expanding merger ejecta for early and late-launch scenarios across a range of shock strengths. We then postprocess Lagrangian tracer histories with the nuclear reaction network winnet and the radiative-transfer code supernu with realistic opacities, to connect shock heating directly to nucleosynthesis and kilonova light curves. We find that sufficiently strong shocks can reheat portions of the ejecta to nuclear statistical equilibrium, increase the electron fraction in the shocked material, and deposit entropy, leading to systematic changes in r-process yields. These thermodynamic and compositional changes can leave observable imprints on kilonova emission—especially in color evolution and late-time light-curve behavior—indicating that magnetically driven remnant variability can potentially contribute to kilonova diversity.

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 083018– Published 7 October, 2026
  • Received 6 May 2026
  • Accepted 16 September 2026
Article part of CHORUS
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