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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/223057
Composition of a Neutron Star’s Outer Crust
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In the field of astrophysics, the study of neutron stars is often conducted to improve nuclear models. This work evaluates the composition of the outer crust of a cold non-accreting neutron star. The standard approach to the outer crust is considered: nuclei are fixed in a Coulomb lattice surrounded by a Fermi gas of free and degenerate electrons. It is shown that considering electrons as ultra-relativistic is a reasonably accurate approach for our purposes (99.98%). The nuclear composition of the lattice is studied by minimizing the Gibbs energy per baryon using a custom Python program. Additionally, the effect of the variations of the Liquid Drop Mass formula parameters on the crust composition is explored by: 1) calibrating the parameters to different
experimental masses; and 2) systematically changing the asymmetry parameter
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Treballs Finals de Grau de Física, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Curs: 2025, Tutor: Xavier Roca Maza
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IQBAL KOUSAR, Laiba. Composition of a Neutron Star’s Outer Crust. [consulted: 12 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/223057