Supernova Explosions:

Abstract:
We study the amplification of magnetic fields in the collapse and the post-bounce evolution of the core of a non-rotating star of 15 M⊙ in axisymmetry. To this end, we solve the coupled equations of magnetohydrodynamics and neutrino transport in the two-moment approximation. The pre-collapse magnetic field is strongly ampli- fied by compression in the infall. Initial fields of the order of 1010 G translate into proto-neutron star fields similar to the ones observed in pulsars, while stronger initial fields yield magnetar-like final field strengths. After core bounce, the field is advected through the hydrodynamically unstable neutrino-heating layer, where non-radial flows due to convection and the standing accretion shock instability amplify the field fur- ther. Consequently, the resulting amplification factor of order five is the result of the number of small-eddy turnovers taking place within the time scale of advection through the post-shock layer. Due to this limit, most of our models do not reach equipartition between kinetic and magnetic energy and, consequently, evolve similarly to the non-magnetic case, exploding after about 800 ms when a single or few high- entropy bubbles persist over several dynamical time scales. In the model with the strongest initial field we studied, 1012 G, for which equipartition between flow and field is achieved, the magnetic tension favours a much earlier development of such long-lived high-entropy bubbles and enforces a fairly ordered large-scale flow pattern. Consequently, this model, after exhibiting very regular shock oscillations, explodes much earlier than non-magnetic ones.

Movies:

Evolution of Model B08 after bounce. We show the entropy per baryon on the left and the logarithm of the magnetic field strength together with magnetic field lines on the right. The movie sets in immediately before core bounce and follows the dynamics of the post-shock region by adjusting the length scale such that the shock remains near the outer border of the displayed region. Soon after bounce, convection and the SASI generate non-radial flows on intermediate scales and non-spherical deformations of the stalled shock wave while neutrino heating increases the mean entropy of the gas. It takes about 800 ms for a combination of these effects to revive the shock wave. This latest stage is characterised by the development of few large-scale bubbles of high entropy. The magnetic field is amplified in the flow eddies and advected onto the proto-neutron star (PNS). It has a negligible effect on the dynamics.

Click here to play the movie B08.avi

Same as B08.avi, but for Model B10. The magnetic field, though initially 100 times stronger, does not change the dynamics of the core.

Click here to play the movie B10.avi

Same as B08.avi, but for Model B11. The effect of the magnetic field is still weak.

Click here to play the movie B11.5.avi

Same as B08.avi, but for Model B11.5. The magnetic field is sufficiently strong to modify the post-shock flows. It suppresses the dissipation of bubbles, leading to an earlier predominance of large-scale bubbles and, consequently, an earlier onset of explosion.

Click here to play the movie B11.avi

Same as B08.avi, but for Model B12. With the strongest field in our sample, the post-shock region is always dominated by few very persistent large-scale bubbles, and the shock wave exhibits very regular, slow oscillations, which after only about 400 ms turn into a rapid expansion of the shock wave.

Click here to play the movie B12.avi

Evolution of the PNS of Model B10. We show the relative deviation of the electron fraction of the gas from its angular average and magnetic field lines. An extended layer of convective flows winds up the magnetic field lines. At first, this process corresponds to an increase of the field strength, but soon the decreasing width of the magnetic flux sheets makes them susceptible to (numerical) dissipation, and the magnetic flux is expelled to the upper, lower, and polar borders of the convection zone. Meanwhile, magnetic flux is advected from higher radii and piles up in lateral flux sheets in the stable layer surrounding the PNS. This video corresponds to Fig. 7 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_07.avi

Convection, SASI and field amplification in Model B10. We show the deviation of the relative entropy per baryon from the angular average and magnetic field lines. The instability of the post-shock region is dominated by eddies of intermediate size, until at late times a few persistent larger bubbles develop. The magnetic field is amplified in the eddies by a factor of about 5, but never gets strong enough to affect the dynamics. This video corresponds to Fig. 12 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_12.avi

Evolution of the PNS of Model B12: field lines and the logarithm of the Alfvén number of the flow. Regions where the magnetic field has larger energy than the flow show up in red. Suppressed by the strong magnetic field, convection is considerably weaker than for Model B10. The polar regions exhibit a thick column of radial field, whereas the equatorial regions close to the surface of the PNS possess strong lateral fields. This video corresponds to Fig. 14 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_14.avi

Same as Fig_12.avi, but for Model B12. The magnetic field is sufficiently to impose a roughly quadrupolar structure on the flow. Two large bubbles of increasing entropy persist for a long time and generate very regular, slow shock oscillations eventually turning into a rapid shock expansion. This video corresponds to Fig. 20 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_20.avi

Same as Fig_12.avi, but for Model B11.5. This model represents an intermediate case, where the magnetically aided generation of large-scale bubbles and the transition to explosion occur later than in Model B12. This video corresponds to Fig. 25 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_25.avi

Combined visualisation of magnetic field lines, entropy per baryon (hue) and the normalised length scale of variations of the total pressure (lightness of the colour scale) of Model B10. The latter quantity allows for the identification of magnetosonic waves travelling in the post-shock region. Complex flows develop in the unstable region and amplify the field, very small-scale wave fronts travel back and forth between the shock and the stable cooling layer on top of the PNS and induce SASI oscillations, and neutrino heating gradually increases the mean entropy. This video corresponds to Fig. 28 from the paper.

Fig_28.avi

Same as Fig_28.avi, but for Model B12. The presence of the strong field leads to larger structures in the entropy as well as in the magnetosonic waves. This video corresponds to Fig. 32 from the paper.

Click here to play the movie Fig_32.avi