Afterglows from jetted GRB remnants

Abstract

We have found that the conventional generic dynamical model for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) cannot reproduce the Sedov solution in the non-relativistic limit. Based on our refined generic dynamical model, we investigate afterglows from jetted GRB remnants numerically. Many new results are reached. For example, we find no obvious break in the optical light curve during the relativistic phase itself. But an obvious break does exist at the transition from the relativistic phase to the non-relativistic phase, which typically occurs at time 10 to 30 days. It is very interesting that the break is affected by many parameters, such as the electron energy fraction, $ξ_{\rm e}$, the magnetic energy fraction, $ξ_{\rm B}^2$, the initial opening angle of the jet,$θ_0$, and the medium density, $n$. We also find that afterglows from jetted GRB remnants are uniformly characterized by a quick decay during the non-relativistic phase, with power law timing index greater than 2.1 . Afterglows from GRB 970228, 980326, 980519, 990123, 990510 and 991208 can be satisfactorily fitted if the corresponding GRB ejecta are highly collimated.