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2009 Annual Science Report

Arizona State University Reporting  |  JUL 2008 – AUG 2009

Astrophysical Controls on the Elements of Life, Task 3: Model the Injection of Supernova Material Into Star-Forming Molecular Clouds

Project Summary

The influence of supernova-generated material on the evolution of a solar system depends on the effectiveness with which supernova ejecta can enter the molecular clouds from which solar systems are formed. In this task, we are using computational codes to model the injection of supernova-generated material.

4 Institutions
3 Teams
3 Publications
0 Field Sites
Field Sites

Project Progress

To help us carry out the numerical simulations of injection of supernova material into molecular clouds, we have recently hired two post-doctoral researchers, each supported half-time by the NAI. Liubin Pan was recently hired [beginning Aug 2009], and has begun carrying out simulations using the FLASH adaptive-mesh hydrodynamics code (of which Frank Timmes is one co-author). Liubin is working with Evan Scannapieco, who is also mentoring ASU graduate student Natalie Hinkel; she is using FLASH as well, to model the state of the molecular cloud before the supernova.

Also in August 2009 we hired Themis Athanassiadou. She is working with Evan Scannapieco and Frank Timmes on different problems, including studying the dynamics of supernova condensates during injection into molecular clouds. She will begin that aspect of her research soon.

Publications

  • Ellinger, C. I., Young, P. A., & Desch, S. J. (2010). COLLATERAL EFFECTS ON SOLAR NEBULA OXYGEN ISOTOPES DUE TO INJECTION OF 26 Al BY A NEARBY SUPERNOVA. The Astrophysical Journal, 725(2), 1495–1506. doi:10.1088/0004-637x/725/2/1495

  • Fedkin, A. V., Meyer, B. S., & Grossman, L. (2010). Condensation and mixing in supernova ejecta. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 74(12), 3642–3658. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2010.03.021

  • Young, P. A., Ellinger, C. I., Arnett, D., Fryer, C. L., & Rockefeller, G. (2009). FINDING TRACERS FOR SUPERNOVA PRODUCED 26 Al. The Astrophysical Journal, 699(2), 938–947. doi:10.1088/0004-637x/699/2/938