Supernovae for pedestrians

Physics

Scientific paper

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Gravitational Collapse, Similarity Theorem, Stellar Models, Stellar Structure, Supernovae, Equations Of State, Escape Velocity, Polytropic Processes, Radial Velocity, Shock Wave Propagation, Stellar Evolution, Stellar Mass

Scientific paper

Type II supernova explosions are analytically discussed. Self-similar solutions are provided for the collapse of a stellar core whose equation of state can be approximated by a polytropic law. The solutions show how the iron core breaks up into both an inner core which collapses homogeneously and an outer core whose supersonic infall velocity is at about half the escape velocity and at a constant Mach number of about 2-3. The amount of energy available to the shock resulting from the outmoving pressure wave is estimated by calculating the negative energy left in the unshocked inner core. It is shown that this binding energy is about 5 x 10 to the 51st ergs, independent of the details of the nuclear part of the equation of state. A 'hydrostatic' model of shock propagation is provided by neglecting the acceleration term in the Euler equation of motion. The calculation shows a clear division between successful and unsuccessful shocks, which depends on the strength of the ram pressure due to the outer core.

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