Numerical Simulations of Type Ia Supernova Explosions

Abstract

We present a systematic study of the diversity of three-dimensional deflagration simulations of Type Ia supernova explosions arising from variations of the initial parameters. By altering the carbon mass fraction, the central density, and the metallicity of the progenitor white dwarf star, we set up a grid of numerical explosion models. While changing the central density has the largest impact on the explosion energy, the largest variation in the 56Ni production is found by changing the metallicity of the models. Varying the carbon mass fraction hardly affects the 56Ni synthesized although it alters the energetics of the explosion. Possible consequences for the shape of light curves of Type Ia supernovae are discussed.