Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Apr 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002aps..apr.u2002c&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, April Meeting, Jointly Sponsored with the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) of the American As
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
I discuss the current theoretical understanding of superbursts. Superbursts are 1000 times more energetic and 1000 times longer in duration than typical Type I X-ray bursts, but with similar spectral evolution. This suggests that they are thermonuclear flashes involving fuel at much larger depths than a typical Type I burst. A likely candidate for this fuel is carbon left over from hydrogen/helium burning. I describe the physics of carbon ignition, and compare the resulting superburst energies, durations, and recurrence times with observations. I discuss the accretion rate dependence of the unstable burning, and show that carbon ignition naturally explains the narrow range of accretion rates of superburst sources. I present time-dependent simulations of carbon flashes and compare with observed light curves. I discuss hydrogen electron capture as an alternative energy source for superbursts. Finally, I show how the properties of superbursts depend on the ashes of hydrogen/helium burning via the rp process.
No associations
LandOfFree
Superbursts: A New Regime of Nuclear Burning on Accreting Neutron Stars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Superbursts: A New Regime of Nuclear Burning on Accreting Neutron Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Superbursts: A New Regime of Nuclear Burning on Accreting Neutron Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1534858