Showing papers by "John M. Blondin published in 2015"

Three-dimensional Core-collapse Supernova Simulated Using a 15 M⊙ Progenitor

Abstract: We have performed ab initio neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations in three and two spatial dimensions (3D and 2D) of core-collapse supernovae from the same 15 M⊙ progenitor through 440 ms after core bounce. Both 3D and 2D models achieve explosions; however, the onset of explosion (shock revival) is delayed by ~100 ms in 3D relative to the 2D counterpart and the growth of the diagnostic explosion energy is slower. This is consistent with previously reported 3D simulations utilizing iron-core progenitors with dense mantles. In the ~100 ms before the onset of explosion, diagnostics of neutrino heating and turbulent kinetic energy favor earlier explosion in 2D. During the delay, the angular scale of convective plumes reaching the shock surface grows and explosion in 3D is ultimately lead by a single, large-angle plume, giving the expanding shock a directional orientation not dissimilar from those imposed by axial symmetry in 2D simulations. Finally, we posit that shock revival and explosion in the 3D simulation may be delayed until sufficiently large plumes form, whereas such plumes form more rapidly in 2D, permitting earlier explosions.

Three-dimensional core-collapse supernova simulated using a 15 $M_\odot$ progenitor

Abstract: We have performed ab initio neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations in three and two spatial dimensions (3D and 2D) of core-collapse supernovae from the same 15 $M_\odot$ progenitor through 440 ms after core bounce. Both 3D and 2D models achieve explosions, however, the onset of explosion (shock revival) is delayed by $\sim$100 ms in 3D relative to the 2D counterpart and the growth of the diagnostic explosion energy is slower. This is consistent with previously reported 3D simulations utilizing iron-core progenitors with dense mantles. In the $\sim$100 ms before the onset of explosion, diagnostics of neutrino heating and turbulent kinetic energy favor earlier explosion in 2D. During the delay, the angular scale of convective plumes reaching the shock surface grows and explosion in 3D is ultimately lead by a single, large-angle plume, giving the expanding shock a directional orientation not dissimilar from those imposed by axial symmetry in 2D simulations. We posit that shock revival and explosion in the 3D simulation may be delayed until sufficiently large plumes form, whereas such plumes form more rapidly in 2D, permitting earlier explosions.

Gravitational wave signatures of ab initio two-dimensional core collapse supernova explosion models for 12 – 25 M ⊙ stars

Abstract: We present the gravitational waveforms computed in ab initio two-dimensional core collapse supernova models evolved with the chimera code for progenitor masses between 12 and $25\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{M}}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. All models employ multifrequency neutrino transport in the ray-by-ray approximation, state-of-the-art weak interaction physics, relativistic transport corrections such as the gravitational redshift of neutrinos, two-dimensional hydrodynamics with the commensurate relativistic corrections, Newtonian self-gravity with a general-relativistic monopole correction, and the Lattimer-Swesty equation of state with 220 MeV compressibility, and begin with the most recent Woosley-Heger nonrotating progenitors in this mass range. All of our models exhibit robust explosions. Therefore, our waveforms capture all stages of supernova development: 1) a relatively short and weak prompt signal, 2) a quiescent stage, 3) a strong signal due to convection and standing accretion shock instability activity, 4) termination of active accretion onto the proto-neutron star, and 5) a slowly increasing tail that reaches a saturation value. Fourier decomposition shows that the gravitational wave signals we predict should be observable by AdvLIGO for Galactic events across the range of progenitors considered here. The fundamental limitation of these models is in their imposition of axisymmetry. Further progress will require counterpart three-dimensional models, which are underway.

Late-Time Evolution of Composite Supernova Remnants: Deep Chandra Observations and Hydrodynamical Modeling of a Crushed Pulsar Wind Nebula in SNR G327.1-1.1

Abstract: In an effort to better understand the evolution of composite supernova remnants (SNRs) and the eventual fate of relativistic particles injected by their pulsars, we present a multifaceted investigation of the interaction between a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) and its host SNR G327.1-1.1. Our 350 ks Chandra X-ray observations of SNR G327.1-1.1 reveal a highly complex morphology; a cometary structure resembling a bow shock, prong-like features extending into large arcs in the SNR interior, and thermal emission from the SNR shell. Spectral analysis of the non-thermal emission offers clues about the origin of the PWN structures, while enhanced abundances in the PWN region provide evidence for mixing of supernova ejecta with PWN material. The overall morphology and spectral properties of the SNR suggest that the PWN has undergone an asymmetric interaction with the SNR reverse shock(RS) that can occur as a result of a density gradient in the ambient medium and or a moving pulsar that displaces the PWN from the center of the remnant. We present hydrodynamical simulations of G327.1-1.1 that show that its morphology and evolution can be described by a approx. 17,000 yr old composite SNR that expanded into a density gradient with an orientation perpendicular to the pulsar's motion. We also show that the RSPWN interaction scenario can reproduce the broadband spectrum of the PWN from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. The analysis and modeling presented in this work have important implications for our general understanding of the structure and evolution of composite SNRs.

Gravitational Wave Signatures of Ab Initio Two-Dimensional Core Collapse Supernova Explosion Models for 12-25 Solar Masses Stars

Abstract: We present the gravitational waveforms computed in ab initio two-dimensional core collapse supernova models evolved with the Chimera code for progenitor masses between 12 and 25 solar masses. All models employ multi-frequency neutrino transport in the ray-by-ray approximation, state-of-the-art weak interaction physics, relativistic transport corrections such as the gravitational redshift of neutrinos, two-dimensional hydrodynamics with the commensurate relativistic corrections, Newtonian self-gravity with a general relativistic monopole correction, and the Lattimer-Swesty equation of state with 220 MeV compressibility, and begin with the most recent Woosley-Heger nonrotating progenitors in this mass range. All of our models exhibit robust explosions. Therefore, our waveforms capture all stages of supernova development: 1) a relatively short and weak prompt signal, 2) a quiescent stage, 3) a strong signal due to convection and SASI activity, 4) termination of active accretion onto the proto-neutron star, and 5) a slowly increasing tail that reaches a saturation value. Fourier decomposition shows that the gravitational wave signals we predict should be observable by AdvLIGO for Galactic events across the range of progenitors considered here. The fundamental limitation of these models is in their imposition of axisymmetry. Further progress will require counterpart three-dimensional models, which are underway.

Recent Progress on Ascertaining the Core Collapse Supernova Explosion Mechanism

Abstract: We have been working within the fundamental paradigm that core collapse supernovae (CCSNe) may be neutrino driven, since the first suggestion of this by Colgate and White nearly five decades ago. Computational models have become increasingly sophisticated, first in one spatial dimension assuming spherical symmetry, then in two spatial dimensions assuming axisymmetry, and now in three spatial dimensions with no imposed symmetries. The increase in the number of spatial dimensions has been accompanied by an increase in the physics included in the models, and an increase in the sophistication with which this physics has been modeled. Computation has played an essential role in the development of CCSN theory, not simply for the obvious reason that such multidimensional, multi-physics, nonlinear events cannot possibly be fully captured analytically, but for its role in discovery. In particular, the discovery of the standing accretion shock instability (SASI) through computation about a decade ago has impacted all simulations performed since then. Today, we appear to be at a threshold, where neutrinos, neutrino-driven convection, and the SASI, working together over time scales significantly longer than had been anticipated in the past, are able to generate explosions, and in some cases, robust explosions, in a number of axisymmetric models. But how will this play out in three dimensions? Early results from the first three-dimensional (3D), multi-physics simulation of the "Oak Ridge" group are promising. I will discuss the essential components of today's models and the requirements of realistic CCSN modeling, present results from our one-, two-, and three-dimensional models, place our models in context with respect to other efforts around the world, and discuss short- and long-term next steps.

A Neutrino-Driven Core Collapse Supernova Explosion of a 15 M Star

Abstract: We present results from an ab initio three-dimensional, multi-physics core collapse supernova simulation for the case of a 15 M progenitor. Our simulation includes multi-frequency neutrino transport with state-of-the-art neutrino interactions in the "ray-by-ray" approximation, and approximate general relativity. Our model exhibits a neutrino-driven explosion. The shock radius begins an outward trajectory at approximately 275 ms after bounce, giving the first indication of a developing explosion in the model. The onset of this shock expansion is delayed relative to our two-dimensional counterpart model, which begins at approximately 200 ms after core bounce. At a time of 441 ms after bounce, the angle-averaged shock radius in our three-dimensional model has reached 751 km. Further quantitative analysis of the outcomes in this model must await further development of the post-bounce dynamics and a simulation that will extend well beyond 1 s after stellar core bounce, based on the results for the same progenitor in the context of our two-dimensional, counterpart model. This more complete analysis will determine whether or not the explosion is robust and whether or not observables such as the explosion energy, 56Ni mass, etc. are in agreement with observations. Nonetheless, the onset of explosion in our ab initio three-dimensional multi-physics model with multi-frequency neutrino transport and general relativity is encouraging.

X-Ray Polarization from High-mass X-Ray Binaries

Abstract: X-ray astronomy allows study of objects which may be associated with compact objects, i.e. neutron stars or black holes, and also may contain strong magnetic fields. Such objects are categorically non-spherical, and likely non-circular when projected on the sky. Polarization allows study of such geometric effects, and X-ray polarimetry is likely to become feasible for a significant number of sources in the future. A class of potential targets for future X-ray polarization observations is the high mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), which consist of a compact object in orbit with an early type star. In this paper we show that X-ray polarization from HMXBs has a distinct signature which depends on the source inclination and orbital phase. The presence of the X-ray source displaced from the star creates linear polarization even if the primary wind is spherically symmetric whenever the system is viewed away from conjunction. Direct X-rays dilute this polarization whenever the X-ray source is not eclipsed; at mid-eclipse the net polarization is expected to be small or zero if the wind is circularly symmetric around the line of centers. Resonance line scattering increases the scattering fraction, often by large factors, over the energy band spanned by resonance lines. Real winds are not expected to be spherically symmetric, or circularly symmetric around the line of centers, owing to the combined effects of the compact object gravity and ionization on the wind hydrodynamics. A sample calculation shows that this creates polarization fractions ranging up to tens of percent at mid-eclipse.

X-ray Polarization from High Mass X-ray Binaries

Abstract: X-ray astronomy allows study of objects which may be associated with compact objects, i.e. neutron stars or black holes, and also may contain strong magnetic fields. Such objects are categorically non-spherical, and likely non-circular when projected on the sky. Polarization allows study of such geometric effects, and X-ray polarimetry is likely to become feasible for a significant number of sources in the future. Potential targets for future X-ray polarization observations are the high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), which consist of a compact object in orbit with an early type star. In this paper ws show that X-ray polarization from HMXBs has a distinct signature which depends on the source inclination and orbital phase. The presence of the X-ray source displaced from the star creates linear polarization even if the primary wind is spherically symmetric whenever the system is viewed away from conjunction. Direct X-rays dilute this polarization whenever the X-ray source is not eclipsed; at mid-eclipse the net polarization is expected to be small or zero if the wind is circularly symmetric around the line of centers. Resonance line scattering increases the scattering fraction, often by large factors, over the energy band spanned by resonance lines. Real winds are not expected to be spherically symmetric, or circularly symmetric around the line of centers, owing to the combined effects of the compact object gravity and ionization on the wind hydrodynamics. A sample calculation shows that this creates polarization fractions ranging up to tens of percent at mid-eclipse.

Nucleosynthesis in Axisymmetric Ab Initio Core-Collapse Supernova Simulations of 12-25 M ⊙ Stars

Abstract: We present an overview of four ab initio axisymmetric core-collapse supernova simulations employing detailed spectral neutrino transport computed with our CHIMERA code and initiated from Woosley and Heger progenitors of mass 12, 15, 20, and 25 M{sub Sun }. All four models exhibit shock revival over {approx}200 ms (leading to the possibility of explosion), driven by neutrino energy deposition. Hydrodynamic instabilities that impart substantial asymmetries to the shock aid these revivals, with convection appearing first in the 12 M{sub Sun} model and the standing accretion shock instability appearing first in the 25 M{sub Sun} model. Three of the models have developed pronounced prolate morphologies (the 20 M{sub Sun} model has remained approximately spherical). By 500 ms after bounce the mean shock radii in all four models exceed 3000 km and the diagnostic explosion energies are 0.33, 0.66, 0.65, and 0.70 Bethe (B = 10{sup 51} erg) for the 12, 15, 20, and 25 M{sub Sun} models, respectively, and are increasing. The three least massive of our models are already sufficiently energetic to completely unbind the envelopes of their progenitors (i.e., to explode), as evidenced by our best estimate of their explosion energies, which first become positive at 320, 380, andmore » 440 ms after bounce. By 850 ms the 12 M{sub Sun} diagnostic explosion energy has saturated at 0.38 B, and our estimate for the final kinetic energy of the ejecta is {approx}0.3 B, which is comparable to observations for lower mass progenitors.« less

Late-time Evolution of Composite Supernova Remnants: Deep Chandra Observations and Hydrodynamical Modeling of a Crushed Pulsar Wind Nebula in SNR G327.1-1.1

Abstract: In an effort to better understand the evolution of composite supernova remnants (SNRs) and the eventual fate of relativistic particles injected by their pulsars, we present a multifaceted investigation of the interaction between a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) and its host SNR G327.1-1.1. Our 350 ks Chandra X-ray observations of SNR G327.1-1.1 reveal a highly complex morphology; a cometary structure resembling a bow shock, prong-like features extending into large arcs in the SNR interior, and thermal emission from the SNR shell. Spectral analysis of the non-thermal emission offers clues about the origin of the PWN structures, while enhanced abundances in the PWN region provide evidence for mixing of supernova ejecta with PWN material. The overall morphology and spectral properties of the SNR suggest that the PWN has undergone an asymmetric interaction with the SNR reverse shock (RS) that can occur as a result of a density gradient in the ambient medium and/or a moving pulsar that displaces the PWN from the center of the remnant. We present hydrodynamical simulations of G327.1-1.1 that show that its morphology and evolution can be described by a ~ 17,000 yr old composite SNR that expanded into a density gradient with an orientation perpendicular to the pulsar's motion. We also show that the RS/PWN interaction scenario can reproduce the broadband spectrum of the PWN from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. The analysis and modeling presented in this work have important implications for our general understanding of the structure and evolution of composite SNRs.

Advancing Nucleosynthesis in Self-consistent, Multidimensional Models of Core-Collapse Supernovae

Abstract: J. Austin Harris∗a, W. Raphael Hixba, Merek A. Chertkowa, Stephen W. Bruennc, Eric J. Lentzab, O. E. Bronson Messerdba, Anthony Mezzacappaae, John M. Blondin f , Pedro Marronettigc, and Konstantin N. Yakuninabe † a Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA b Physics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA c Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA d National Center for Computational Sciences, ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA e Joint Institute for Computational Sciences, ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831 USA f Department of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA g Physics Division, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA 22230, USA E-mail: jharr100@utk.edu, raph@ornl.gov

Recent Progress on Ascertaining the Core Collapse Supernova Explosion Mechanism

Abstract: Physics Division, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA 22230, USAE-mail: mezz@utk.eduWe have been working within the fundamental paradigm that core collapse supernovae (CCSNe)may be neutrino driven, since the first suggestion of this by Colgate and White nearly five decadesago. Computational models have become increasingly sophisticated, first in one spatial dimensionassuming spherical symmetry, then in two spatial dimensions assuming axisymmetry, and now inthree spatial dimensions with no imposed symmetries. The increase in the number of spatialdimensions has been accompanied by an increase in the physics included in the models, and anincrease in the sophistication with which this physics has been modeled. Computation has playedan essential role in the development of CCSN theory, not simply for the obvious reason that suchmultidimensional, multi-physics, nonlinear events cannot possibly be fully captured analytically,but for its role in discovery. In particular, the discovery of the standing accretion shock instability(SASI) through computation about a decade ago has impacted all simulations performed sincethen. Today, we appear to be at a threshold, where neutrinos, neutrino-driven convection, andthe SASI, working together over time scales significantly longer than had been anticipated inthe past, are able to generate explosions, and in some cases, robust explosions, in a number ofaxisymmetric models. But how will this play out in three dimensions? Early results from thefirst three-dimensional (3D), multi-physics simulation of the "Oak Ridge" group are promising. Iwill discuss the essential components of today’s models and the requirements of realistic CCSNmodeling, present results from our one-, two-, and three-dimensional models, place our modelsin context with respect to other efforts around the world, and discuss short- and long-term nextsteps.The 32nd International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory,23-28 June, 2014Columbia University, New York, NY