Outcome of jet–ejecta interaction

Determine whether the interaction between a future relativistic jet and the post-merger ejecta produces a successful breakout, a choked outflow, or a cocoon.

Background

The simulations characterize the ejecta and near-remnant outflow environment but do not follow the long-term propagation or breakout of a relativistic jet. The equal-mass model has a cleaner, magnetically dominated polar region, while the unequal-mass model has broader ejecta, stronger baryon loading, and a weaker funnel.

Consequently, the authors cannot determine the ultimate outcome of the interaction between a possible jet and the ejecta. They state that longer simulations are required to distinguish successful breakout from a choked outflow or cocoon formation.

References

Whether this interaction ultimately leads to a successful breakout, a choked outflow, or the formation of a cocoon requires longer simulations, which lie beyond the scope of the present work.

— Binary Neutron Star Merger Simulations with Microphysical Equation of State using Spritz  (2608.23310 - Nouri et al., 24 Aug 2026) in Section 3.4.2, “Ejecta and jet environment”