Similarity Criteria for the Laboratory Simulation of Supernova Hydrodynamics

Abstract

The conditions for validity and the limitations of experiments intended to simulate astrophysical hydrodynamics are discussed, with application to some ongoing experiments. For systems adequately described by the Euler equations, similarity criteria required for properly scaled experiments are identified. The conditions for the applicability of the Euler equations are formulated, based on the analysis of localization, heat conduction, viscosity, and radiation. Other considerations involved in such a scaling, including its limitations at small spatial scales, are discussed. The results are applied to experiments aimed at simulating three-dimensional hydrodynamics during supernova explosions and hydrodynamic instabilities in young supernova remnants. In addition, hydrodynamic situations with significant radiative effects are discussed.