The 3D approach to model Type Ia supernova explosions
Fritz Roepke (MPA-Garching/UCSC) - Oct 16 at 12:00 noon
Meeting the three-dimensional nature of fundamental effects
in the explosion mechanism of Type Ia supernovae,
multi-dimensional numerical simulations have seen a rapid development
over the past years. Here, a white dwarf is burned by a thermonuclear
flame. On its way from ignition near the center of the star towards
the surface it is subject to buoyancy instabilities and interacts with
turbulence. Only multi-dimensional approaches can capture these
precesses in a self-consistent way. At the same time,
they are challenged by the vast range of relevant length scales so
that efficient modeling techniques are required to facilitate
simulations. I will describe a particular approach
which enables us for the first time to systematically explore
different options in the models. These arise from two major
uncertainties -- the way the flame ignites and the
possibility of a transition of the flame propagation mode from
subsonic deflagration to supersonic detonation. The validity of the
models has to be decided upon comparison with observations.
I will discuss the current status of this approach. Ultimately, the
high predictive power of self-consistent models will help to tackle
the questions arising in Type Ia supernovae cosmology and on a simple
example I will illustrate how one can address the diversity in the
Type Ia supernova sample.
The seminar will be held in 544 Campbell Hall.
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