On the Impact of Three Dimensions in Simulations of Neutrino-Driven Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions
Dec, 201213 pages
Published in:
- Astrophys.J. 775 (2013) 35
- Published: Aug 30, 2013
e-Print:
- 1212.0010 [astro-ph.HE]
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Abstract: (IOP)
We present one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamical simulations of core-collapse supernovae including a parameterized neutrino heating and cooling scheme in order to investigate the critical core neutrino luminosity (Lcrit) required for explosion. In contrast to some previous works, we find that 3D simulations explode later than 2D simulations, and that Lcrit at fixed mass accretion rate is somewhat higher in three dimensions than in two dimensions. We find, however, that in two dimensions Lcrit increases as the numerical resolution of the simulation increases. In contrast to some previous works, we argue that the average entropy of the gain region is in fact not a good indicator of explosion but is rather a reflection of the greater mass in the gain region in two dimensions. We compare our simulations to semi-analytic explosion criteria and examine the nature of the convective motions in two dimensions and three dimensions. We discuss the balance between neutrino-driven buoyancy and drag forces. In particular, we show that the drag force will be proportional to a buoyant plume's surface area while the buoyant force is proportional to a plume's volume and, therefore, plumes with greater volume-to-surface-area ratios will rise more quickly. We show that buoyant plumes in two dimensions are inherently larger, with greater volume-to-surface-area ratios, than plumes in three dimensions. In the scenario that the supernova shock expansion is dominated by neutrino-driven buoyancy, this balance between buoyancy and drag forces may explain why 3D simulations explode later than 2D simulations and why Lcrit increases with resolution. Finally, we provide a comparison of our results with other calculations in the literature.Note:
- 12 pages, 14 figures, submitted to ApJ, expanded discussion of resolution
- hydrodynamics
- neutrinos
- stars: interiors
- supernovae: general
References(108)
Figures(18)