The origin of the heavy elements
HEAVYMETAL is a project to uncover the nuclear and astrophysical pathways leading to the creation of the rapid neutron capture elements
Scientific Transformational Potential
Neutron star mergers will allow us to explore key questions in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics
The formation of the heavy elements
- The nuclear & astrophysical pathways of the r-process
- Cosmic chemical enrichment
- Atomic data for astrophysical plasmas
Cosmology and astrophysics
- Astronomical transient interpretation
- Cosmological distance measurement
- Improved masses and spins for gravitational wave sources
Nuclear matter, quarks, neutrinos, gravitational waves, black holes
- Interactions of ultra-dense matter
- QCD phase transition to quark matter
- Physics beyond the standard model in mergers
- Merger dynamics
- Black hole formation
Working together to solve a cosmic mystery
HEAVYMETAL combines the expertise of four research groups across Europe to investigate how neutron star mergers make the r-process elements
Astronomical Observations
Rapid transient follow-up
Merger Simulations
Merger ejecta modelling
Radiation Transport
Time-dependent, 3D radiative transfer
Laser Plasma Spectroscopy
Using laser-produced plasmas to measure atomic data for the heavy elements
Atomic Theory
Theoretical atomic structure calculations
Nucleosynthesis
Understanding the rapid neutron capture process
We will trace the nucleosynthesis pathways in NS mergers, provide insights on heavy nuclei, neutrino interactions and the nature of high-density matter. We will chart the role of compact object mergers as the cosmic forge of the heaviest elements.
HEAVYMETAL
ERC project plan