A simulation of the Thorne-Zytkow Object

This simulation models the complete lifecycle, internal nuclear physics, and potential collapse of a Thorne–Żytkow Object (TŻO)—a rare theoretical stellar hybrid formed when a compact neutron star plunges into the core of a red supergiant.

1)Simulates Common-Envelope Inspiral: It computes the orbital decay of the binary system in real time. Once the neutron star companion enters the supergiant's convective envelope, the simulation models Bondi–Hoyle–Lyttleton (BHL) supersonic gas drag, which rapidly strips orbital angular momentum and pulls the companion inward. 2)Exposes the Interior Nuclear Engine: Using an interactive conical cutaway (X key), it peels open the star to reveal a stabilized, white-cyan degenerate core surrounded by an explosive, purple-glowing rp-process (rapid proton capture) nucleosynthesis mantle powered by neutrino-cooled hyper-critical accretion. 3)Executes an Interactive Collapsar Branch: Pressing the B key triggers a "What-If" evolutionary divergence where core accretion breaches the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) mass limit. The degeneracy pressure collapses, blasting away the stellar envelope in a supernova and birthing a rapidly spinning Kerr black hole complete with relativistic Doppler beaming, an asymmetric shadow, and gravitationally lensed accretion disk arches. 4)Executes an Interactive Collapsar Branch: Pressing the B key triggers a "What-If" evolutionary divergence where core accretion breaches the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) mass limit. The degeneracy pressure collapses, blasting away the stellar envelope in a supernova and birthing a rapidly spinning Kerr black hole complete with relativistic Doppler beaming, an asymmetric shadow, and gravitationally lensed accretion disk arches.