Abstract
We develop and calibrate a realistic model flame for hydrodynamic simulations of deflagrations in white dwarf (Type Ia) supernovae. Our flame model builds on the advection-diffusion-reaction model of Khokhlov and includes electron screening and Coulomb corrections to the equation of state in a self-consistent way. We calibrate this model flame - its energetics and timescales for energy release and neutralization - with self-heating reaction network calculations that include both these Coulomb effects and up-to-date weak interactions. The burned material evolves postflame due to both weak interactions and hydrodynamic changes in density and temperature. We develop a scheme to follow the evolution, including neutralization, of the NSE state subsequent to the passage of the flame front. As a result, our model flame is suitable for deflagration simulations over a wide range of initial central densities and can track the temperature and electron fraction of the burned material through the explosion and into the expansion of the ejecta.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 313-332 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 656 |
Issue number | 1 I |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 10 2007 |
Keywords
- Hydrodynamics
- Nuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, abundances
- Supernovae: general
- White dwarfs