Mountain formation by repeated, inhomogeneous crustal failure in a neutron star

ABSTRACT The elastic crust of a neutron star fractures repeatedly as it spins down electromagnetically. An idealized, macroscopic model inhomogeneous crustal failure is presented based on cellular automaton with nearest-neighbour tectonic interactions involving strain redistribution and thermal dissipation. Predictions are made the size waiting-time distributions events, well rate down. last event typically occurs when to $\approx 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ its birth frequency implications for rotational glitch activity. Neutron stars commonly suggested sources continuous gravitational waves. output converted into predictions star’s mass ellipticity wave functions age, future observations instruments such Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO).