Insights into the Production of $^{44}$Ti and Nickel Isotopes in Core-Collapse Supernovae

TL;DR

This study presents 3D core-collapse supernova simulations showing that modern models can produce observed levels of $^{44}$Ti and nickel isotopes, resolving previous underproduction issues and aligning with supernova observations.

Contribution

The paper introduces long-term 3D supernova models demonstrating successful synthesis of $^{44}$Ti and nickel isotopes, addressing past underproduction problems and providing detailed nucleosynthesis insights.

Findings

Models achieve $^{44}$Ti/$^{56}$Ni ratios similar to Cassiopeia A

Supernova models can synthesize up to $2\times10^{-4}M_\odot$ of $^{44}$Ti

Neutrino-driven winds and accretion-explosion interplay are key to $^{44}$Ti production

Abstract

We report nucleosynthetic results for both $^{44}$Ti and nickel isotopes for eighteen three-dimensional (3D) core-collapse supernova (CCSN) simulations extended to $\sim$20 seconds after bounce. We find that many of our long-term models are able to achieve $^{44}$Ti/$^{56}$Ni ratios similar to that observed in Cassiopeia A, and modern supernova models can synthesize up to $2\times10^{-4}M_\odot$ of $^{44}$Ti. Neutrino-driven winds and the fact that there can be simultaneous accretion and explosion in 3D models of core-collapse supernovae play central roles in its production. We conclude that the $^{44}$Ti underproduction problem in previous CCSN models is no longer an issue. In addition, we discuss the production of both $^{57}$Ni and stable nickel/iron ratios and compare our results to observations of SN1987A and the Crab.