arXiv subjects

A. Mezzacappa

Publications and source records attributed to A. Mezzacappa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2017

Gravitational wave signals from multi-dimensional core-collapse supernova explosion simulations

In this work we report briefly on the gravitational wave (GW) signal computed in the context of a self-consistent, 3D simulation of a core-collapse supernova (CCSN) explosion of a 15M$_\odot$ progenitor star. We present a short overview of the GW signal, including signal amplitude, frequency distribution, and the energy emitted in the form of GWs for each phase of explosion, along with neutrino luminosities, and discuss correlations between them.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

The Multi-Dimensional Character of Core-Collapse Supernovae

Core-collapse supernovae, the culmination of massive stellar evolution, are spectacular astronomical events and the principle actors in the story of our elemental origins. Our understanding of these events, while still incomplete, centers around a neutrino-driven central engine that is highly hydrodynamically unstable. Increasingly sophisticated simulations reveal a shock that stalls for hundreds of milliseconds before reviving. Though brought back to life by neutrino heating, the development of the supernova explosion is inextricably linked to multi-dimensional fluid flows. In this paper, the outcomes of three-dimensional simulations that include sophisticated nuclear physics and spectral neutrino transport are juxtaposed to learn about the nature of the three dimensional fluid flow that shapes the explosion. Comparison is also made between the results of simulations in spherical symmetry from several groups, to give ourselves confidence in the understanding derived from this juxtaposition.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Planning the Future of U.S. Particle Physics (Snowmass 2013): Chapter 9: Computing

These reports present the results of the 2013 Community Summer Study of the APS Division of Particles and Fields ("Snowmass 2013") on the future program of particle physics in the U.S. Chapter 9, on Computing, discusses the computing challenges for future experiments in the Energy, Intensity, and Cosmic Frontiers, for accelerator science, and for particle theory, as well as structural issues in supporting the intense uses of computing required in all areas of particle physics.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Turbulence and magnetic field amplification from spiral SASI modes in core-collapse supernovae

The stationary accretion shock instability (SASI) plays a central role in modern simulations of the explosion phase of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). It may be key to realizing neutrino powered explosions, and possibly links birth properties of pulsars (e.g., kick, spin, and magnetic field) to supernova dynamics. Using high-resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we study the development of turbulence, and subsequent amplification of magnetic fields in a simplified model of the post-bounce core-collapse supernova environment. Turbulence develops from secondary instabilities induced by the SASI. Our simulations suggest that the development of turbulence plays an important role for the subsequent evolution of the SASI. The turbulence also acts to amplify weak magnetic fields via a small-scale dynamo.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2010

Protoneutron star evolution and the neutrino driven wind in general relativistic neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations

Massive stars end their life in an explosion event with kinetic energies of the order 1 Bethe. Immediately after the explosion has been launched, a region of low density and high entropy forms behind the ejecta which is continuously subject to neutrino heating. The neutrinos emitted from the remnant at the center, the protoneutron star (PNS), heat the material above the PNS surface. This heat is partly converted into kinetic energy and the material accelerates to an outflow that is known as the neutrino driven wind. For the first time, we simulate the collapse, bounce, explosion and the neutrino driven wind phases consistently over more than 20 seconds. Our numerical model is based on spherically symmetric general relativistic radiation hydrodynamics using spectral three flavor Boltzmann neutrino transport. In simulations where no explosions are obtained naturally, we model neutrino driven explosions for low and intermediate mass Fe-core progenitor stars by enhancing the charged current reaction rates. In the case of a special progenitor star, the O-Ne-Mg-core, the explosion in spherical symmetry was obtained without enhanced opacities. The post explosion evolution is in qualitative agreement with static steady-state and parametrized dynamic models of the neutrino driven wind. On the other hand, we find generally smaller neutrino luminosities and mean neutrino energies as well as a different evolutionary behavior of the neutrino luminosities and mean neutrino energies. The neutrino driven wind is proton-rich for more than 10 seconds and the contraction of the PNS differs from the assumptions made for the conditions at the inner boundary in previous neutrino driven wind studies. Despite the moderately large entropies per baryon of about 100 and the fast expansion timescale, the conditions found in our model are unlikely to favor...

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2010

Exploring the QCD phase transition in core collapse supernova simulations in spherical symmetry

For finite chemical potential effective models of QCD predict a first order phase transition. In favour for the search of such a phase transition in nature, we construct an equation of state for strange quark matter based on the MIT bag model. We apply this equation of state to highly asymmetric core collapse supernova matter with finite temperatures and large baryon densities. The phase transition is constructed using the general Gibbs conditions, which results in an extended coexistence region between the pure hadronic and pure quark phases in the phase diagram, i.e. the mixed phase. The supernovae are simulated via general relativistic radiation hydrodynamics based on three flavor Boltzmann neutrino transport in spherical symmetry. During the dynamical evolution temperatures above 10 MeV, baryon densities above nuclear saturation density and a proton-to-baryon ratio below 0.2 are obtained. At these conditions the phase transition is triggered which leads to a significant softening of the EoS for matter in the mixed phase. As a direct consequence of the stiffening of the EoS again for matter in the pure quark phase, a shock wave forms at the boundary between the mixed and the pure hadronic phases. This shock is accelerated and propagates outward which releases a burst of neutrinos dominated by electron anti-neutrinos due to the lifted degeneracy of the shock-heated hadronic material. We discuss the radiation-hydrodynamic evolution of the phase transition at the example of several low and intermediate mass Fe-core progenitor stars and illustrate the expected neutrino signal from the phase transition.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2010

Mechanisms of Core-Collapse Supernovae & Simulation Results from the CHIMERA Code

Unraveling the mechanism for core-collapse supernova explosions is an outstanding computational challenge and the problem remains essentially unsolved despite more than four decades of effort. However, much progress in realistic modeling has occurred recently through the availability of multi-teraflop machines and the increasing sophistication of supernova codes. These improvements have led to some key insights which may clarify the picture in the not too distant future. Here we briefly review the current status of the three explosion mechanisms (acoustic, MHD, and neutrino heating) that are currently under active investigation, concentrating on the neutrino heating mechanism as the one most likely responsible for producing explosions from progenitors in the mass range ~10 to ~25 solar masses. We then briefly describe the CHIMERA code, a supernova code we have developed to simulate core-collapse supernovae in 1, 2, and 3 spatial dimensions. We finally describe the results of an ongoing suite of 2D simulations initiated from a 12, 15, 20, and 25 solar mass progenitor. These have all exhibited explosions and are currently in the expanding phase with the shock at between 5,000 and 10,000 km. We finally very briefly describe an ongoing simulation in 3 spatial dimensions initiated from the 15 solar mass progenitor.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2010

2D and 3D Core-Collapse Supernovae Simulation Results Obtained with the CHIMERA Code

Much progress in realistic modeling of core-collapse supernovae has occurred recently through the availability of multi-teraflop machines and the increasing sophistication of supernova codes. These improvements are enabling simulations with enough realism that the explosion mechanism, long a mystery, may soon be delineated. We briefly describe the CHIMERA code, a supernova code we have developed to simulate core-collapse supernovae in 1, 2, and 3 spatial dimensions. We then describe the results of an ongoing suite of 2D simulations initiated from a 12, 15, 20, and 25 solar mass progenitor. These have all exhibited explosions and are currently in the expanding phase with the shock at between 5,000 and 20,000 km. We also briefly describe an ongoing simulation in 3 spatial dimensions initiated from the 15 solar mass progenitor.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2009

The neutrino signal from protoneutron star accretion and black hole formation

We discuss the formation of stellar mass black holes via protoneutron star (PNS) collapse. In the absence of an earlier explosion, the PNS collapses to a black hole due to the continued mass accretion onto the PNS. We present an analysis of the emitted neutrino spectra of all three flavors during the PNS contraction. Special attention is given to the physical conditions which depend on the input physics, e.g. the equation of state (EoS) and the progenitor model. The PNSs are modeled as the central object in core collapse simulations using general relativistic three-flavor Boltzmann neutrino transport in spherical symmetry. The simulations are launched from several massive progenitors of 40 and 50 solar mass. We analyze the electron-neutrino luminosity dependencies and construct a simple approximation for the electron-neutrino luminosity, which depends only on the physical conditions at the electron-neutrinosphere. In addition, we analyze different mu/tau-neutrino pair-reactions separately and compare the differences during the post-bounce phase of failed core collapse supernova explosions of massive progenitors. We also investigate the connection between the increasing mu/tau-neutrino luminosity and the PNS contraction during the accretion phase before black hole formation. Comparing the different post bounce phase of the progenitor models under investigation, we find large differences in the emitted neutrino spectra. These differences and the analysis of the electron-neutrino luminosity indicate a strong progenitor model dependency of the emitted neutrino signal.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Signals of the QCD phase transition in core-collapse supernovae

We explore the implications of the QCD phase transition during the postbounce evolution of core-collapse supernovae. Using the MIT bag model for the description of quark matter and assuming small bag constants, we find that the phase transition occurs during the early postbounce accretion phase. This stage of the evolution can be simulated with general relativistic three-flavor Boltzmann neutrino transport. The phase transition produces a second shock wave that triggers a delayed supernova explosion. If such a phase transition happens in a future galactic supernova, its existence and properties should become observable as a second peak in the neutrino signal that is accompanied by significant changes in the energy of the emitted neutrinos. In contrast to the first neutronization burst, this second neutrino burst is dominated by the emission of anti-neutrinos because the electron-degeneracy is lifted when the second shock passes through the previously neutronized matter.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Magnetic field generation by the stationary accretion shock instability

By adding a weak magnetic field to a spherically symmetric fluid configuration that caricatures a stalled shock in the post-bounce supernova environment, we explore the capacity of the stationary accretion shock instability (SASI) to generate magnetic fields. The SASI develops upon perturbation of the initial condition, and the ensuing flow generates--{\em in the absence of rotation}--dynamically significant magnetic fields ($\sim 10^{15}$ G) on a time scale that is relevant for the explosion mechanism of core-collapse supernovae. We describe our model, present some recent results, and discuss their potential relevance for supernova models.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Ascertaining the Core Collapse Supernova Mechanism: An Emerging Picture?

Here we present the results from two sets of simulations, in two and three spatial dimensions. In two dimensions, the simulations include multifrequency flux-limited diffusion neutrino transport in the "ray-by-ray-plus" approximation, two-dimensional self gravity in the Newtonian limit, and nuclear burning through a 14-isotope alpha network. The three-dimensional simulations are model simulations constructed to reflect the post stellar core bounce conditions during neutrino shock reheating at the onset of explosion. They are hydrodynamics-only models that focus on critical aspects of the shock stability and dynamics and their impact on the supernova mechanism and explosion. In two dimensions, we obtain explosions (although in one case weak) for two progenitors (11 and 15 Solar mass models). Moreover, in both cases the explosion is initiated when the inner edge of the oxygen layer accretes through the shock. Thus, the shock is not revived while in the iron core, as previously discussed in the literature. The three-dimensional studies of the development of the stationary accretion shock instability (SASI) demonstrate the fundamentally new dynamics allowed when simulations are performed in three spatial dimensions. The predominant l=1 SASI mode gives way to a stable m=1 mode, which in turn has significant ramifications for the distribution of angular momentum in the region between the shock and proto-neutron star and, ultimately, for the spin of the remnant neutron star. Moreover, the three-dimensional simulations make clear, given the increased number of degrees of freedom, that two-dimensional models are severely limited by artificially imposed symmetries.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Modeling core collapse supernovae in 2 and 3 dimensions with spectral neutrino transport

The overwhelming evidence that the core collapse supernova mechanism is inherently multidimensional, the complexity of the physical processes involved, and the increasing evidence from simulations that the explosion is marginal presents great computational challenges for the realistic modeling of this event, particularly in 3 spatial dimensions. We have developed a code which is scalable to computations in 3 dimensions which couples PPM Lagrangian with remap hydrodynamics [1], multigroup, flux-limited diffusion neutrino transport [2], with many improvements), and a nuclear network [3]. The neutrino transport is performed in a ray-by-ray plus approximation wherein all the lateral effects of neutrinos are included (e.g., pressure, velocity corrections, advection) except the transport. A moving radial grid option permits the evolution to be carried out from initial core collapse with only modest demands on the number of radial zones. The inner part of the core is evolved after collapse along with the rest of the core and mantle by subcycling the lateral evolution near the center as demanded by the small Courant times. We present results of 2-D simulations of a symmetric and an asymmetric collapse of both a 15 and an 11 M progenitor. In each of these simulations we have discovered that once the oxygen rich material reaches the shock there is a synergistic interplay between the reduced ram pressure, the energy released by the burning of the shock heated oxygen rich material, and the neutrino energy deposition which leads to a revival of the shock and an explosion.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

From Microscales to Macroscales in 3D: Selfconsistent Equation of State for Supernova and Neutron Star Models

First results from a fully self-consistent, temperature-dependent equation of state that spans the whole density range of neutron stars and supernova cores are presented. The equation of state (EoS) is calculated using a mean-field Hartree-Fock method in three dimensions (3D). The nuclear interaction is represented by the phenomenological Skyrme model in this work, but the EoS can be obtained in our framework for any suitable form of the nucleon-nucleon effective interaction. The scheme we employ naturally allows effects such as (i) neutron drip, which results in an external neutron gas, (ii) the variety of exotic nuclear shapes expected for extremely neutron heavy nuclei, and (iii) the subsequent dissolution of these nuclei into nuclear matter. In this way, the equation of state is calculated across phase transitions without recourse to interpolation techniques between density regimes described by different physical models. EoS tables are calculated in the wide range of densities, temperature and proton/neutron ratios on the ORNL NCCS XT3, using up to 2000 processors simultaneously.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Composition of the Innermost Core Collapse Supernova Ejecta

With presently known input physics and computer simulations in 1D, a self-consistent treatment of core collapse supernovae does not yet lead to successful explosions, while 2D models show some promise. Thus, there are strong indications that the delayed neutrino mechanism works combined with a multi-D convection treatment for unstable layers. On the other hand there is a need to provide correct nucleosynthesis abundances for the progressing field of galactic evolution and observations of low metallicity stars. The innermost ejecta is directly affected by the explosion mechanism, i.e. most strongly the yields of Fe-group nuclei for which an induced piston or thermal bomb treatment will not provide the correct yields because the effect of neutrino interactions is not included. We apply parameterized variations to the neutrino scattering cross sections and alternatively, parameterized variations are applied to the neutrino absorption cross sections on nucleons in the ``gain region''. We find that both measures lead to similar results, causing explosions and a Ye>0.5 in the innermost ejected layers, due to the combined effect of a short weak interaction time scale and a negligible electron degeneracy, unveiling the proton-neutron mass difference. We include all weak interactions (electron and positron capture, beta-decay, neutrino and antineutrino capture on nuclei, and neutrino and antineutrino capture on nucleons) and present first nucleosynthesis results for these innermost ejected layers to discuss how they improve predictions for Fe-group nuclei. The proton-rich environment results in enhanced abundances of 45Sc, 49Ti, and 64Zn as requested by chemical evolution studies and observations of low metallicity stars as well as appreciable production of nuclei in the mass range up to A=80.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Supernova Simulations with Boltzmann Neutrino Transport: A Comparison of Methods

Accurate neutrino transport has been built into spherically symmetric simulations of stellar core collapse and postbounce evolution. The results of such simulations agree that spherically symmetric models with standard microphysical input fail to explode by the delayed, neutrino-driven mechanism. Independent groups implemented fundamentally different numerical methods to tackle the Boltzmann neutrino transport equation. Here we present a direct and detailed comparison of such neutrino radiation-hydrodynamical simulations for two codes, Agile-Boltztran of the Oak Ridge-Basel group and Vertex of the Garching group. The former solves the Boltzmann equation directly by an implicit, general relativistic discrete angle method on the adaptive grid of a conservative implicit hydrodynamics code with second-order TVD advection. In contrast, the latter couples a variable Eddington factor technique with an explicit, moving-grid, conservative high-order Riemann solver with important relativistic effects treated by an effective gravitational potential. The presented study is meant to test both neutrino radiation-hydrodynamics implementations and to provide a data basis for comparisons and verifications of supernova codes to be developed in the future. Results are discussed for simulations of the core collapse and post-bounce evolution of a 13 solar mass star with Newtonian gravity and a 15 solar mass star with relativistic gravity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Fluid Stability Below the Neutrinospheres of Supernova Progenitors and the Dominant Role of Lepto-Entropy Fingers

We have developed a formalism for analyzing the stability of a fluid in the presence of neutrinos of all flavors and in the presence of a gravitational field. When applied to an extensive two-dimensional grid of core radii and fluid element sizes for each of several time slices of a number of proto-supernovae, we find no evidence for the neutron finger instability as described by the Livermore group. We find, instead, that the rate of lepton equilibration always exceeds that of thermal equilibration. Furthermore, we find that thermal diffusion driven by a lepton fraction difference and lepton diffusion driven by an entropy difference are both nonzero and that the first of these tends to be large in magnitude. An important consequence of this is the presence of a doubly diffusive instability, which we refer to as ``lepto-entropy fingers,'' in an extensive region below the neutrinosphere where the lepton number, $Y_{\ell}$, is small. This instability is driven by a mechanism very different from that giving rise to neutron fingers, and may play an important role in enhancing the neutrino emission. Deep in the core where the entropy is low and the lepton number higher, our analysis indicates a region unstable to another instability which we refer to as ``lepto-entropy semiconvection.'' These instabilities, particularly lepto-entropy fingers, may have already been seen in some multi-dimensional core collapse simulations described in the literature.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

The consequences of nuclear electron capture in core collapse supernovae

The most important weak nuclear interaction to the dynamics of stellar core collapse is electron capture, primarily on nuclei with masses larger than 60. In prior simulations of core collapse, electron capture on these nuclei has been treated in a highly parameterized fashion, if not ignored. With realistic treatment of electron capture on heavy nuclei come significant changes in the hydrodynamics of core collapse and bounce. We discuss these as well as the ramifications for the post-bounce evolution in core collapse supernovae.

astro-ph↗