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A. C. Calder, J. W.. Truran, O. E. B. Messer, F. Peng, I. R. Seitenzahl (University of Chicago), E. F. Brown (Michigan State University), C. Dreier (Oberlin College), D. Q. Lamb (University of Chicago)
Type Ia supernova explosions are thought to result from a thermonuclear runaway occurring in a C/O white dwarf that has gained mass by accretion from a companion. The nature of the explosion is subject to some debate, but most models begin with a deflagration born near the center of the white dwarf. The evolution of the thermonuclear flame critically depends on the details of the nuclear burning. We present a series of studies of nuclear burning at densities and temperatures found in Type Ia SNe environments. We present the energetics and timescales for burning from C/O through Si group elements and on to nuclear statistical equilibrium. The goal of this work is to calibrate a model flame for use in simulations of Type Ia supernovae. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under grant No. B523820 and in part by the National Science Foundation REU program.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #2
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.