Main Nuclear Physics requirements for the robustness of r-process nucleosynthesis calculations in slow ejecta from neutron-star mergers (NSM)

Abstract

Here we deal with r-process nucleosynthesis simulations for matter ejected dynamically in NSM, recently a number of such simulations (see [1, 2, 3, 4]) have display a robust pattern in their final yields. It is the main goal of this contribution to address at the main requirements from the nuclear physics point of view in order to guarantee a robust pattern in the final r-process abundances for mass numbers A > 120. Our results suggest that one can achieve such behaviour for slow ejecta from neutron-star mergers as long as fission cycling is involved. On the other hand, using a representative r-process calculation as a working example, we explored the main stages in the evolution of an r-process. Finally, we conclude that fine tunning of local features in the pattern of final yields (2nd, rare earth and 3rd r-process peaks) depend on an interplay between the mass surface and other nuclear structure properties involved.