Models for GRBs and diverse transients

The observational diversity of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) has been increasing, and the natural inclination is a proliferation of models. We explore the possibility that at least part of this diversity is a consequence of a single basic model for the central engine operating in a massive star of variable mass, differential rotation rate and mass loss rate. Whatever that central engine may be—and here the collapsar is used as a reference point—it must be capable of generating both a narrowly collimated, highly relativistic jet to make the GRB and a wide angle, sub-relativistic outflow responsible for exploding the star and making the supernova bright. To some extent, the two components may vary independently; therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of jet energies and supernova luminosities. We explore, in particular, the production of low-energy bursts and find a lower limit of approximately 1048 erg s−1 to the power required for a jet to escape a massive star before that star either explodes or is accreted. Lower energy bursts and ‘suffocated’ bursts may be particularly prevalent when the metallicity is high, i.e. in the modern universe at low red shift.