Three Dimensional Simulations of the Core Helium Flash - with Rotation

TL;DR

This study uses 3D hydrodynamic simulations to investigate the impact of rotation on the core helium flash in stars, finding negligible structural effects and no additional mixing within the explored timescales.

Contribution

It introduces the first 3D simulations of the core helium flash incorporating stellar rotation, assessing its effects on structure and mixing.

Findings

Rotation periods similar to white dwarfs have minimal impact on core flash evolution.

No significant extra mixing due to rotation was observed.

Possible slight luminosity change at about 1% level.

Abstract

We continue our study of the core helium flash using the three dimensional hydrodynamics code Djehuty. Continuing from earlier calculations, we now take relaxed 3D configurations and add various amounts of rotation. We find that rotation periods consistent with those observed in white dwarfs produce negligible changes in the structure and evolution of the core flash, at least for the very small timescales we have yet been able to investigate. There is no sign of any extra mixing due to the rotation. There is some inconclusive evidence for a slight change in the luminosity, at the 1% level.