MAESTRO: A low Mach number stellar hydrodynamics code

Abstract

Convective astrophysical flows, such as those leading up to Type Ia supernovae, can be characterized by low Mach numbers (M ≪ 1). One can neglect acoustic waves in the modeling of these flows, but must retain compressibility effects due to nuclear reactions and background stratification in order to accurately model the convection and initial burning. We present here a new algorithm, MAESTRO, that is specifically designed for efficient long-time integration leading to ignition. Here, we discuss the state of this new algorithm and its application to Type Ia supernovae. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.