Exploring the Nucleosynthesis of Core Collapse Supernovae in Multidimensions

In addition to being among the most energetic of astrophysical events, core collapse

supernovae are the most productive factories of the heavy elements which are necessary for

life. As a result, they are critical players in the origin and evolution of the chemical

elements, a subject of study central to the Directorate of Mathematical \& Physical

Sciences' Origins of the Universe theme. Supernovae have also been, and continue to be,

objects of great interest to a wide range of NSF-funded astronomical, nuclear and particle

physics experiments and observatories, from radio and optical telescopes to nuclear

accelerators and neutrino and gravity wave detectors. The theoretical study of core

collapse supernovae has progressed greatly in recent years, however compelling questions

remain.

In this proposal, we advance a plan to improve our understanding of

the nucleosynthesis which results when a core collapse supernovae explodes. This proposal

builds on our current efforts and is complimentary to DoE funded research into the core

collapse supernova mechanism at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While the theoretical

study of core collapse supernovae has progressed greatly in the past decade, fundamental

questions remain, including ''Can the neutrino reheating mechanism, when calculated

accurately in multidimensions, successfully produce supernova explosions?'' Key to

answering these questions is the ability to compare the computed models with observations.

Since many of the important observations of supernovae highlight the elemental

composition, accurate calculation of the nucleosynthesis of these multi-dimensional core

collapse supernova simulations is needed. In particular, we need to see how realistic

nucleosynthesis, calculated in a self-consistent multi-dimensional fashion, differs from

current parameterized one dimensional models. We therefore propose to build on our

world-leading neutrino radiation hydrodynamic capability and investigate the

nucleosynthesis of these models. Our ultimate goal is self consistent nucleosynthesis,

calculated in situ within the neutrino radiation hydrodynamic models, but we will also

discuss interim steps that will give us some nucleosynthesis information more immediately.

The realization that 'we are star stuff', that the chemical elements that compose our

bodies and our world originate in stars, has penetrated deep into the public awareness,

reaching as far as pop culture and philosophy. Thus, the study of Cosmic Origins is

science with broad societal impact and interest. In response to this public curiosity,

Hix and Mezzacappa have given several public lectures on this topic in recent years and

expect to continue to do so as part of this proposed effort. This proposal would further

the interdisciplinary collaboration between nuclear physics and astrophysics. This

proposal would also further educational and professional development on several fronts.

This proposal would fund the involvement of a graduate student in supernova research

efforts at ORNL, providing educational access to a world class scientific environment. We

also anticipate the involvement in this research of summer undergraduate students, as we

have in the past, through the Science Alliance funded by the state of Tennessee. Finally

this proposal would allow Hix to develop his independent research agenda, furthering his

development as a scientist.