Three-Dimensional Simulations of Core Ignition in Sub-Chandrasekhar Mass Models

Abstract

We present a number of three-dimensional Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of the explosion of a sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarf. In our models, ignition of our ≈1.1M⊙ progenitors occurs either exactly at the sharp helium and carbon-oxygen interface or at some distance above it. While our simulations in which helium has been ignited above the interface easily result in a core detonation, the ones ignited exactly at the interface present additional numerical difficulties but eventually appear to ignite the core as well. In all cases, the resolution required to model this ignition properly is such that complete three-dimensional models remain beyond our present computational capabilities. The actual path taken to core ignition will depend sensitively on the details of the accretion history of the progenitor.