Simulation of the neutron star coalescence GW170817

The video shows a numerical simulation representing the binary neutron star coalescence and merger which resulted in the gravitational-wave event GW170817 and gamma ray burst GRB170817A. The two non-spinning neutron stars shown in the animations have and solar masses and follow the ALF2 equation of state (EOS). The employed parameters (total mass, mass ratio, spin and EOSs) are consistent with the detection made on the 17th of August by the LIGO/Virgo detectors. While only the gravitational wave signal emitted during the inspiral of the two neutron stars has been detected, the detection of electromagnetic counterparts, in particular of the kilonova and gamma ray burst, suggest a complicated evolution of the merger remnant with a possible hypermassive or supramassive neutron star phase and black hole formation as shown in the animation. The animations show the gravitational wave signal with colors ranging from yellow to red with increasing strength, the density of the neutron stars from ligh