An Evaluation of the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability in Supernova Remnant Formation

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Astrophysical Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/306685· OSTI ID:340413

Kane, J ^[1]; Drake, R P ^[2]; Remington, B A ^[3]

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1. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)
2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143 (United States)
3. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 (United States)

We present an initial evaluation of the role of the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability in supernova remnant (SNR) formation. Although the Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability is most often considered in the canonical picture of SNR formation, the theoretical penetration depths for RM instability suggest that it could play a significant role in the early stages of SNR formation. We have used the code PROMETHEUS to perform a sequence of two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations in order to test this possibility. Here we discuss a case in which we impose a large perturbation in the expanding ejecta behind the reverse shock. The interaction of the reverse shock with the perturbation produces significant early RM growth, with spikes penetrating from the contact surface to near the forward shock. Then the RM instability weakens, RT growth eventually dominates, and the perturbation of the forward shock diminishes. We conclude that RM instability growth due to the type of perturbation we have studied might contribute to, but alone cannot account for, the observed radio and X-ray structures that extend to the forward shock in such SNRs as supernova 1006. {copyright} {ital {copyright} 1999.} {ital The American Astronomical Society}

• OSTI ID: 340413
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal, Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 511; ISSN ASJOAB; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTABILITY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RADIOASTRONOMY
SHOCK WAVES
STABILITY
SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
SUPERNOVAE