Evolution and roles of the magnetic fields in core-collapse supernovae

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26800149
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Particle/Nuclear/Cosmic ray/Astro physics
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Sawai Hidetomo 早稲田大学, 理工学術院, その他(招聘研究員) (70514199)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 重力崩壊型超新星 / 磁気流体シミュレーション / 磁気流体不安定 / ｒプロセス元素合成

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We numerically studied the evolution and roles of the magnetic fields in core-collapse supernovae. As a result, we found that the so-called magnetorotational instability (MRI), a mechanism amplifying magnetic field, plays important roles in the explosion dynamics and in production of heavy elements. Core-collapse supernovae are considered to be driven by neutrino heating: neutrinos produced around the center of the star heat the matter right outside. We found that the MRI indirectly enhances the heating. It is also found that more neutrons are expelled due to the MRI, and heavy elements (heavier than iron) are produced as a consequence.

Free Research Field

宇宙物理学