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.