Core Collapse Supernova Modeling: The Next Ten Years

TL;DR

Recent advances in 3D core collapse supernova modeling have improved predictive capabilities, but require further refinement and interdisciplinary cooperation to fully understand supernova mechanisms and multimessenger signals.

Contribution

The paper reviews progress over sixty years, emphasizing the need for increased model sophistication and interdisciplinary collaboration for future supernova simulations.

Findings

Sophisticated 3D models now predict gravitational wave emissions.

Simulation outcomes are highly sensitive to treatment of physical ingredients.

Neutrino shock reheating mechanism has been demonstrated as effective.

Abstract

Core collapse supernova modeling has advanced considerably since the first numerical simulations were performed sixty years ago. In particular, the last decade has brought us sophisticated three-dimensional models with significant predictive capabilities -- e.g., for core collapse supernova gravitational wave emission. The six decades of modeling have shown us the importance of individual components of these general relativistic neutrino radiation magnetohydrodynamics events -- specifically, the importance of neutrino kinetics, fluid instabilities, magnetic fields, strong gravity, and the nuclear equation of state and neutrino--matter interactions calculated in a manner consistent with the equation of state. They have also shown us that simulation outcomes are sensitive to variations in the treatment of these ingredients, demanding a level of rigor that has not yet been consistently met by modelers. The efficacy of the neutrino shock reheating mechanism for core collapse supernovae has been demonstrated. The models now require an improved quantitative predictive capability, which will be achieved through increased sophistication in the treatment of model components, both macroscopic (e.g., strong-field gravity) and microscopic (e.g., neutrino--matter interactions). Advancement of core collapse supernova theory will also require the cooperation of modelers in other fields, especially stellar evolution and nuclear theory, to meet the level of rigor required to make the most of the eventuality of a Galactic core collapse supernova and its multimessenger emissions.