A One-Dimensional Model for Rayleigh-Taylor Instability in Supernova Remnants

TL;DR

This paper introduces a one-dimensional model to approximate multidimensional Rayleigh-Taylor instability effects in supernova remnants, calibrated with high-resolution simulations, simplifying complex turbulence modeling.

Contribution

It proposes a novel one-dimensional approximation method for Rayleigh-Taylor instability effects, calibrated against detailed two-dimensional simulations, enhancing modeling efficiency in astrophysics.

Findings

The model effectively reproduces key multidimensional effects.

Calibration with high-resolution simulations improves accuracy.

The approach simplifies complex turbulence modeling in supernova remnants.

Abstract

This study presents a method for approximating the multidimensional effects of Rayleigh-Taylor instability as a modification of the one-dimensional hydro equations. This modification is similar to the Shakura-Sunyaev {\alpha} prescription for modeling the coarse-grained effects of turbulence in astrophysical disks. The model introduces several dimensionless tunable parameters that are calibrated by comparing with high-resolution two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical calculations of Rayleigh-Taylor unstable flows. A complete description of the model is presented, along with a handful of test problems that demonstrate the extent to which the one-dimensional model is able to reproduce multidimensional effects.