Pulsar theory of supernova light curves. I. Dynamical effect and thermalization of the pulsar strong waves

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155498· OSTI ID:7281941

Gaffet, B

In this paper we investigate the dynamical effect of a pulsar on a surrounding supernova (SN) envelope and the process of thermalization of the pulsar strong waves, with the view of applying the results to the calculation of the light curves of supernovae.The shock wave induced by the pulsar radiation pressure is studied by means of self-similarity methods, and the results are presented in closed form for the simple case of a homogeneous density distribution in the ejected envelope.We show that, owing to the high density of the shocked region, the pulsar waves are totally reflected by the SN envelope, unless some unclassical absorption process sets in. We propose, as the main absorption process, particle acceleration by the strong waves. We show that this type of absorption can occur only after some cooling has taken place and that in fact the pulsar acts as a thermostat, keeping the central temperature fixed around 1.3 x 10/sup 4/ K.The light curves have been calculated according to these assumptions in another paper. A good fit of the typical SN Type II light curve has been obtained. Furthermore, the shape of the continuous spectrum and the observed temperatures of about 1.0 x 10/sup 4/ K near maximum can be explained easily in this model.

• Research Organization: Division de la Physique, Section Etudes Spatiales, Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires de Saclay, B.P. 2, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
• OSTI ID: 7281941
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 216:2; 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
ADIABATIC PROCESSES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
IONIZATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
PULSARS
RADIATION PRESSURE
SHOCK WAVES
STAR MODELS
STARS
STELLAR RADIATION
SUPERNOVAE