Simulations of Core Collapse Supernovae In One and Two Dimemsions Using Multigroup Neutrino Transport

Neutrinos play a crucial role in the core-collapse supernova (CCSN) explosion mechanism. The requirement of accurately calculating the transport of neutrinos makes simulations of the CCSN mechanism extremely challenging and computationally expensive. Historically, this stiff challenge has been met by making approximations to the full transport equation. In this work, we compare CCSN simulations in one- and two-dimensions with three approximate neutrino transport schemes, each...

We present results from simulations of core-collapse supernovae in FLASH using a newly-implemented multidimensional neutrino transport scheme and a newly-implemented general relativistic (GR) treatment of gravity. We use a two-moment method with an analytic closure (so-called M1 transport) for the neutrino transport. This transport is multienergy, multispecies, velocity-dependent and truly multidimensional, i.e., we do not assume the commonly used "ray-by-ray" approximation. ...

We briefly summarize recent efforts in Garching for modeling stellar core collapse and post-bounce evolution in one and two dimensions. The transport of neutrinos of all flavors is treated by iteratively solving the coupled system of frequency-dependent moment equations together with a model Boltzmann equation which provides the closure. A variety of progenitor stars, different nuclear equations of state, stellar rotation, and global asymmetries due to large-mode hydrodynamic...

We introduce a new discrete-ordinate scheme for solving the general relativistic Boltzmann transport equation in the context of core-collapse supernovae. Our algorithm avoids the need to spell out the complicated advection terms in energy and angle that arise when the transport equation is formulated in spherical polar coordinates, in the comoving frame, or in a general relativistic spacetime. We instead approach the problem by calculating the advection of neutrinos across mo...

It is now generally agreed that multidimensional, multigroup, radiation hydrodynamics is an indispensable element of any realistic model of stellar-core collapse, core-collapse supernovae, and protoneutron star instabilities. We have developed a new, two-dimensional, multigroup algorithm that can model neutrino-radiation-hydrodynamic flows in core-collapse supernovae. Our algorithm uses an approach that is similar to the ZEUS family of algorithms, originally developed by Ston...

The mechanism driving core-collapse supernovae is sensitive to the interplay between matter and neutrino radiation. However, neutrino radiation transport is very difficult to simulate, and several radiation transport methods of varying levels of approximation are available. We carefully compare for the first time in multiple spatial dimensions the discrete ordinates (DO) code of Nagakura, Yamada, and Sumiyoshi and the Monte Carlo (MC) code Sedonu, under the assumptions of a s...

(Abridged) We present results from dynamical models of core-collapse supernovae in one spatial dimension, employing a newly-developed Boltzmann neutrino radiation transport algorithm, coupled to Lagrangean hydrodynamics and a consistent high-density nuclear equation of state. We focus on shock breakout and its neutrino signature and follow the dynamical evolution of the cores of 11 M_sun, 15 M_sun, and 20 M_sun progenitors through collapse and the first 250 milliseconds after...

This is a status report on our endeavor to reveal the mechanism of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) by large-scale numerical simulations. Multi-dimensionality of the supernova engine, general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics, energy and lepton number transport by neutrinos emitted from the forming neutron star as well as nuclear interactions there, are all believed to play crucial roles in repelling infalling matter and producing energetic explosions. These ingredients are n...

We summarize the results of core collapse supernova theory from one-, two-, and three-dimensional models and provide a snapshot of the field at this time. We also present results from the "Oak Ridge" group in this context. Studies in both one and two spatial dimensions define the necessary} physics that must be included in core collapse supernova models: a general relativistic treatment of gravity (at least an approximate one), spectral neutrino transport, including relativis...

We present numerical results on three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic core-collapse simulations of an $11.2 M_{\odot}$ star. By comparing one-(1D) and two-dimensional(2D) results with those of 3D, we study how the increasing spacial multi-dimensionality affects the postbounce supernova dynamics. The calculations were performed with an energy-dependent treatment of the neutrino transport that is solved by the isotropic diffusion source approximation scheme. By performing a trace...