Living Reviews in Computational Astrophysics: "Hydrodynamics of core-collapse supernovae and their progenitors"

Müller, B. Hydrodynamics of core-collapse supernovae and their progenitors. Living Rev Comput Astrophys 6, 3 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41115-020-0008-5​​​​​​​

Open Access | Review Article

Published: 08 June 2020

Abstract:

Multi-dimensional fluid flow plays a paramount role in the explosions of massive stars as core-collapse supernovae. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) simulations of these phenomena have matured significantly. Considerable progress has been made towards identifying the ingredients for shock revival by the neutrino-driven mechanism, and successful explosions have already been obtained in a number of self-consistent 3D models. These advances also bring new challenges, however. Prompted by a need for increased physical realism and meaningful model validation, supernova theory is now moving towards a more integrated view that connects multi-dimensional phenomena in the late convective burning stages prior to collapse, the explosion engine, and mixing instabilities in the supernova envelope. Here we review our current understanding of multi-D fluid flow in core-collapse supernovae and their progenitors. We start by outlining specific challenges faced by hydrodynamic simulations of core-collapse supernovae and of the late convective burning stages. We then discuss recent advances and open questions in theory and simulations.