Dynamics of Laterally Propagating Flames in X-ray Bursts. I. Burning Front Structure

TL;DR

This paper uses 2D hydrodynamics simulations to analyze the structure and acceleration of laterally propagating flames in X-ray bursts, providing insights into flame dynamics in highly-stratified layers.

Contribution

It introduces detailed 2D simulations of flame propagation in X-ray bursts, highlighting flame acceleration and structural features in a rotating atmosphere.

Findings

Identification of flame acceleration during propagation

Characterization of flame structure in stratified layers

Complementary insights to existing multidimensional studies

Abstract

We investigate the structure of laterally-propagating flames through the highly-stratified burning layer in an X-ray burst. Two-dimensional hydrodynamics simulations of flame propagation are performed through a rotating plane-parallel atmosphere, exploring the structure of the flame. We discuss the approximations needed to capture the length and time scales at play in an X-ray burst and describe the flame acceleration observed. Our studies complement other multidimensional studies of burning in X-ray bursts.