Is there a hidden hole in Type Ia supernova remnants?

TL;DR

This study investigates the long-term evolution and observable geometric features of the hole created by a companion star in Type Ia supernova remnants, using hydrodynamic simulations to inform progenitor models.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed simulation of the hole's evolution in supernova remnants over centuries, linking remnant geometry to supernova progenitor scenarios.

Findings

The hole persists for centuries but may close due to instabilities.

Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities generate plumes near the hole edge.

The contact discontinuity's evolution offers insights into remnant geometry.

Abstract

In this paper we report on the bulk features of the hole carved by the companion star in the material ejected during a Type Ia supernova explosion. In particular we are interested in the long term evolution of the hole as well as in its fingerprint in the geometry of the supernova remnant after several centuries of evolution, which is a hot topic in current Type Iasupernovae studies. We use an axisymmetric smoothed particle hydrodynamics code to characterize the geometric properties of the supernova remnant resulting from the interaction of this ejected material with the ambient medium. Our aim is to use supernova remnant observations to constrain the single degenerate scenario for Type Ia supernova progenitors. Our simulations show that the hole will remain open during centuries, although its partial or total closure at later times due to hydrodynamic instabilities is not excluded. Close to the edge of the hole, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability grows faster, leading to plumes that approach the edge of the forward shock. We also discuss other geometrical properties of the simulations, like the evolution of the contact discontinuity.