Type Ia supernovae from sub-chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs

Stuart A. Sim*, Friedrich K. Röpke, Markus Kromer, Michael Fink, Ashley J. Ruiter, Ivo R. Seitenzahl, Rüdiger Pakmor, Wolfgang Hillebrandt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We argue that detonations of sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs can lead to bright explosions with light curves and spectra similar to those of observed Type Ia supernovae. Given that binary systems containing accreting sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs should be common, this suggests that a non-negligible fraction of the observed Type Ia supernova rate may arise from sub-Chandrasekhar mass explosions, if they can be ignited. We discuss aspects of how such explosions might be realized in nature and both merits and challenges associated with invoking sub-Chandrasekhar mass explosion models to account for observed Type Ia supernovae.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBinary Paths to Type Ia Supernovae Explosions
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages267-274
Number of pages8
EditionS281
ISBN (Print)9781107019812
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
NumberS281
Volume7
ISSN (Print)1743-9213
ISSN (Electronic)1743-9221

Keywords

  • Hydrodynamics - radiative transfer - methods: numerical - stars: supernovae
  • White dwarfs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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