Two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic phase of the core helium flash

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/162686· OSTI ID:5923594

Deupree, R G

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of the core helium flash are compared for times after convection has failed to contain the thermonuclear runaway. For a given set of initial conditions, it is found that in 2D the peak temperature is slightly higher and occurs earlier and that higher expansion velocities are obtained than in 3D. The primary reason is that the ignition in 2D occurs in a torus, while in 3D the ignition is effectively at a point. Nevertheless, the 3D flow remains hydrodynamic. Also, temperatures substantially higher than are predicted from traditional stellar evolution studies are obtained in both 2D and 3D simulations.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
• OSTI ID: 5923594
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 287:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CONVECTION
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT TRANSFER
HELIUM BURNING
HYDRODYNAMICS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
SIMULATION
STAR BURNING
STAR EVOLUTION
STAR MODELS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS