Work

Thermonuclear Supernovae: Simulations of the Deflagration Stage and Their Implications

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: Large-scale, three-dimensional numerical simulations of the deflagration stage of a thermonuclear supernova explosion show the formation and evolution of a highly convoluted turbulent flame in the gravitational field of an expanding carbon-oxygen white dwarf. The flame dynamics are dominated by the gravity-induced Rayleigh-Taylor instability that controls the burning rate. The thermonuclear deflagration releases enough energy to produce a healthy explosion. The turbulent flame, however, leaves large amounts of unburned and partially burned material near the star center, whereas observations that imply these materials are present only in outer layers. This disagreement could be resolved if the deflagration triggers a detonation.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.1078129

Authors: Vadim N. Gamezo, Alexei M. Khokhlov, Elaine S. Oran, Almadena Y. Chtchelkanova, Robert O. Rosenberg

Institutions: United States Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory Laboratories for Computational Physics & Fluid Dynamics, Strategic Analysis (United States), Naval Research Laboratory Information Technology Division

Language: English

Topic: Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2079437483

FWCI: 14.63

Cites: 58

Cited by: 365

Related to: 10