Abundances and Transients from Neutron Star-White Dwarf Mergers

We study the dynamics of neutron star-white dwarf binary mergers from population studies to outflows and electromagnetic emissions. From the population models, we determined a subset of compact binaries which undergo unstable mass transfer forming accretion disks. The dynamics of these initial disks are simulated using a one-dimensional, advection-dominated accretion disk model including nuclear burning, neutrino-emission, and a surface wind ejection mechanism. The iron- and nickel-rich outflows give rise to optical and infrared emissions, calculated via the SuperNu light-curve code. We find these systems capable of powering short-lived, calcium-rich optical transients with a potential to additionally power gamma-ray bursts.