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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2010

THE CAS A-LIKE SNR 1E 0102.2-7219 IN THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD: AN ASYMMETRIC BIPOLAR EXPLOSION

We have used the Wide Field Spectrograph on the 2.3 m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory to map the [O III] {lambda}5007 dynamics of the young oxygen-rich supernova remnant 1E 0102.2-7219 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. From the resultant data cube, we have been able to reconstruct the full three-dimensional structure of the system of [O III] filaments. From this we are able to deduce that the ejecta trace an asymmetric bipolar structure. The redshifted gas contains fainter clumps but with higher velocities than the blueshifted gas. The major axis of the explosion is inclined at {approx}40{sup 0} to the line of sight. This structure shows that the supernova explosion has been influenced both by the rotation of the progenitor star and, presumably, by a global rotational instability following core collapse.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

SPECIAL RELATIVISTIC MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SIMULATION OF A TWO-COMPONENT OUTFLOW POWERED BY MAGNETIC EXPLOSION ON COMPACT STARS

The nonlinear dynamics of outflows driven by magnetic explosion on the surface of a compact star is investigated through special relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We adopt, as the initial equilibrium state, a spherical stellar object embedded in hydrostatic plasma which has a density {rho}(r) {proportional_to} r{sup -}{alpha} and is threaded by a dipole magnetic field. The injection of magnetic energy at the surface of a compact star breaks the equilibrium and triggers a two-component outflow. At the early evolutionary stage, the magnetic pressure increases rapidly around the stellar surface, initiating a magnetically driven outflow. A strong forward shock driven outflow is then excited. The expansion velocity of the magnetically driven outflow is characterized by the Alfven velocity on the stellar surface and follows a simple scaling relation v{sub mag} {proportional_to} v{sub A}{sup 1/2}. When the initial density profile declines steeply with radius, the strong shock is accelerated self-similarly to relativistic velocity ahead of the magnetically driven component. We find that it evolves according to a self-similar relation {Gamma}{sub sh} {proportional_to} r{sub sh}, where {Gamma}{sub sh} is the Lorentz factor of the plasma measured at the shock surface r{sub sh}. A purely hydrodynamic process would be responsible for the acceleration mechanism of the shock driven outflow. Our two-component outflow model, which is the natural outcome of the magnetic explosion, can provide a better understanding of the magnetic active phenomena on various magnetized compact stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

IMPACTS OF COLLECTIVE NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS ON CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA EXPLOSIONS

By performing a series of one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) hydrodynamic simulations with spectral neutrino transport, we study possible impacts of collective neutrino oscillations on the dynamics of core-collapse supernovae. To model the spectral swapping, which is one of the possible outcome of the collective neutrino oscillations, we parameterize the onset time when the spectral swap begins, the radius where the spectral swap occurs, and the threshold energy above which the spectral interchange between heavy-lepton neutrinos and electron/anti-electron neutrinos takes place. By doing so, we systematically study how the neutrino heating enhanced by the spectral swapping could affect the shock evolution as well as the matter ejection. We also investigate the progenitor dependence using a suite of progenitor models (13, 15, 20, and 25 M{sub sun}). We find that there is a critical heating rate induced by the spectral swapping that triggers explosions, and which significantly differs between the progenitors. The critical heating rate is generally smaller for 2D than for 1D due to the multidimensionality that enhances the neutrino heating efficiency. For the progenitors employed in this paper, the final remnant masses are estimated to range between 1.1-1.5 M{sub sun}. For our 2D model of the 15 M{sub sun} progenitor, we find a set of oscillation parameters that could account for strong supernova explosions ({approx}10{sup 51} erg), simultaneously leaving behind a remnant mass close to {approx}1.4 M{sub sun}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

RELATIVISTIC COLLAPSE AND EXPLOSION OF ROTATING SUPERMASSIVE STARS WITH THERMONUCLEAR EFFECTS

We present results of general relativistic simulations of collapsing supermassive stars with and without rotation using the two-dimensional general relativistic numerical code Nada, which solves the Einstein equations written in the BSSN formalism and the general relativistic hydrodynamic equations with high-resolution shock-capturing schemes. These numerical simulations use an equation of state that includes the effects of gas pressure and, in a tabulated form, those associated with radiation and the electron-positron pairs. We also take into account the effect of thermonuclear energy released by hydrogen and helium burning. We find that objects with a mass of Almost-Equal-To 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 5} M{sub Sun} and an initial metallicity greater than Z{sub CNO} Almost-Equal-To 0.007 do explode if non-rotating, while the threshold metallicity for an explosion is reduced to Z{sub CNO} Almost-Equal-To 0.001 for objects uniformly rotating. The critical initial metallicity for a thermonuclear explosion increases for stars with a mass Almost-Equal-To 10{sup 6} M{sub Sun }. For those stars that do not explode, we follow the evolution beyond the phase of black hole (BH) formation. We compute the neutrino energy loss rates due to several processes that may be relevant during the gravitational collapse of these objects. The peak luminosities of neutrinos and antineutrinos of all flavors for models collapsing to a BH are L{sub {nu}} {approx} 10{sup 55} erg s{sup -1}. The total radiated energy in neutrinos varies between E{sub {nu}} {approx} 10{sup 56} erg for models collapsing to a BH and E{sub {nu}} {approx} 10{sup 45}-10{sup 46} erg for models exploding.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

MAGNETIC EXPLOSIONS: ROLE OF THE INDUCTIVE ELECTRIC FIELD

Inclusion of the inductive electric field, E{sub ind}, due to the temporally changing B, in magnetic explosions is discussed, with emphasis on solar flares. Several roles played by E{sub ind} are identified: on a global scale, E{sub ind} produces the electromotive force that drives the explosion; the associated E{sub ind} Multiplication-Sign B drift is identified with the inflow of magnetic field lines into a reconnection region; the polarization current, associated with {partial_derivative}E{sub ind}/{partial_derivative}t, implies a J Multiplication-Sign B force that accelerates this inflow; and the component of E{sub ind} parallel to B accelerates the energetic electrons that cause hard X-ray emission and type III radio bursts. Some simple models that describe these effects are presented. A resolution of the long-standing 'number problem' in solar flares is suggested.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

The signature of the central engine in the weakest relativistic explosions: GRB 100316D

We present late-time radio and X-ray observations of the nearby sub-energetic gamma-ray burst (GRB)100316D associated with supernova (SN) 2010bh. Our broad-band analysis constrains the explosion properties of GRB 100316D to be intermediate between highly relativistic, collimated GRBs and the spherical, ordinary hydrogen-stripped SNe. We find that ∼10{sup 49} erg is coupled to mildly relativistic (Γ = 1.5-2), quasi-spherical ejecta, expanding into a medium previously shaped by the progenitor mass-loss with a rate of M-dot ∼ 10{sup −5} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} (for an assumed wind density profile and wind velocity v{sub w} = 1000 km s{sup –1}). The kinetic energy profile of the ejecta argues for the presence of a central engine and identifies GRB 100316D as one of the weakest central-engine-driven explosions detected to date. Emission from the central engine is responsible for an excess of soft X-ray radiation that dominates over the standard afterglow at late times (t > 10 days). We connect this phenomenology with the birth of the most rapidly rotating magnetars. Alternatively, accretion onto a newly formed black hole might explain the excess of radiation. However, significant departure from the standard fall-back scenario is required.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Predicting the amount of hydrogen stripped by the SN explosion for SN 2002cx-like SNe Ia

The most favored progenitor scenarios for Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) involve the single-degenerate (SD) scenario and the double-degenerate scenario. The absence of stripped hydrogen (H) in the nebular spectra of SNe Ia challenges the SD progenitor models. Recently, it was shown that pure deflagration explosion models of Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarfs, ignited off-center, reproduce the characteristic observational features of 2002cx-like SNe Ia very well. In this work we predict, for the first time, the amount of stripped H for the off-center, pure deflagration explosions. We find that their low kinetic energies lead to inefficient H mass stripping (≲ 0.01 M {sub ☉}), indicating that the stripped H may be hidden in (observed) late-time spectra of SN 2002cx-like SNe Ia.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

SN 2010jl: Optical to hard X-ray observations reveal an explosion embedded in a ten solar mass cocoon

Some supernovae (SNe) may be powered by the interaction of the SN ejecta with a large amount of circumstellar matter (CSM). However, quantitative estimates of the CSM mass around such SNe are missing when the CSM material is optically thick. Specifically, current estimators are sensitive to uncertainties regarding the CSM density profile and the ejecta velocity. Here we outline a method to measure the mass of the optically thick CSM around such SNe. We present new visible-light and X-ray observations of SN 2010jl (PTF 10aaxf), including the first detection of an SN in the hard X-ray band using NuSTAR. The total radiated luminosity of SN 2010jl is extreme—at least 9 × 10{sup 50} erg. By modeling the visible-light data, we robustly show that the mass of the circumstellar material within ∼10{sup 16} cm of the progenitor of SN 2010jl was in excess of 10 M {sub ☉}. This mass was likely ejected tens of years prior to the SN explosion. Our modeling suggests that the shock velocity during shock breakout was ∼6000 km s{sup –1}, decelerating to ∼2600 km s{sup –1} about 2 yr after maximum light. Furthermore, our late-time NuSTAR and XMM spectra of the SN presumably provide the first direct measurement of SN shock velocity 2 yr after the SN maximum light—measured to be in the range of 2000-4500 km s{sup –1} if the ions and electrons are in equilibrium, and ≳ 2000 km s{sup –1} if they are not in equilibrium. This measurement is in agreement with the shock velocity predicted by our modeling of the visible-light data. Our observations also show that the average radial density distribution of the CSM roughly follows an r {sup –2} law. A possible explanation for the ≳ 10 M {sub ☉} of CSM and the wind-like profile is that they are the result of multiple pulsational pair instability events prior to the SN explosion, separated from each other by years.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Finding the first cosmic explosions. III. Pulsational pair-instability supernovae

Population III supernovae have been the focus of growing attention because of their potential to directly probe the properties of the first stars, particularly the most energetic events that can be seen at the edge of the observable universe. But until now pulsational pair-instability supernovae, in which explosive thermonuclear burning in massive stars fails to unbind them but can eject their outer layers into space, have been overlooked as cosmic beacons at the earliest redshifts. These shells can later collide and, like Type IIn supernovae, produce superluminous events in the UV at high redshifts that could be detected in the near infrared today. We present numerical simulations of a 110 M {sub ☉} pulsational pair-instability explosion done with the Los Alamos radiation hydrodynamics code Radiation Adaptive Grid Eulerian. We find that collisions between consecutive pulsations are visible in the near infrared out to z ∼ 15-20 and can probe the earliest stellar populations at cosmic dawn.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Constraints on the progenitor system of the type Ia supernova 2014J from pre-explosion Hubble space telescope imaging

We constrain the properties of the progenitor system of the highly reddened Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2014J in Messier 82 (M82; d ≈ 3.5 Mpc). We determine the supernova (SN) location using Keck-II K-band adaptive optics images, and we find no evidence for flux from a progenitor system in pre-explosion near-ultraviolet through near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images. Our upper limits exclude systems having a bright red giant companion, including symbiotic novae with luminosities comparable to that of RS Ophiuchi. While the flux constraints are also inconsistent with predictions for comparatively cool He-donor systems (T ≲ 35,000 K), we cannot preclude a system similar to V445 Puppis. The progenitor constraints are robust across a wide range of R{sub V} and A{sub V} values, but significantly greater values than those inferred from the SN light curve and spectrum would yield proportionally brighter luminosity limits. The comparatively faint flux expected from a binary progenitor system consisting of white dwarf stars would not have been detected in the pre-explosion HST imaging. Infrared HST exposures yield more stringent constraints on the luminosities of very cool (T < 3000 K) companion stars than was possible in the case of SN Ia 2011fe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Implications of turbulence for jets in core-collapse supernova explosions

We show that turbulence in core collapse supernovae (CCSNe) which has been shown recently to ease shock revival might also lead to the formation of intermittent thick accretion disks, or accretion belts, around the newly born neutron star (NS). The accretion morphology is such that two low density funnels are formed along the polar directions. The disks then are likely to launch jets with a varying axis direction, i.e., jittering jets, through the two opposite funnels. The energy contribution of jets in this jittering-jets mechanism might result in an explosion energy of E{sub exp} ≳ 10{sup 51} erg, even without reviving the stalled shock. We strengthen the jittering-jets mechanism as a possible explosion mechanism of CCSNe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Computational study of ignition behavior and hotspot dynamics of a potential class of aluminized explosives

The ignition behavior and hotspot dynamics of a potential class of aluminized energetic materials are studied computationally. The materials consist of HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) grains embedded in an aluminum matrix and, henceforth referred to as metal–matrix explosives (MMXs). For the analysis, two different MMXs, the soft MMX with a matrix of 1100 Al alloy and the hard MMX with a matrix of 7075 T651 Al alloy are considered. The thermo-mechanical response of the MMXs are computationally analyzed by subjecting them to monotonic impact loading using a Lagrangian cohesive finite element framework, with their ignition behavior analyzed through characterization of hotspots. For comparison, a polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) consisting of HMX and Estane is also analyzed under the same conditions. Here, the results show that the MMXs have significantly lower propensity for ignition and higher structural integrity than the PBX over the loading velocity range of 200–500 m s -1 .

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2010

GRAVITATIONAL FIELD SHIELDING AND SUPERNOVA EXPLOSIONS

A new mechanism for supernova explosions called gravitational field shielding is proposed, in accord with a five-dimensional fully covariant Kaluza-Klein theory with a scalar field that unifies the four-dimensional Einsteinian general relativity and Maxwellian electromagnetic theory. It is shown that a dense compact collapsing core of a star will suddenly turn off or completely shield its gravitational field when the core collapses to a critical density, which is inversely proportional to the square of mass of the core. As the core suddenly turns off its gravity, the extremely large pressure immediately stops the core collapse and pushes the mantle material of supernova moving outward. The work done by the pressure in the expansion can be the order of energy released in a supernova explosion. The gravity will resume and stop the core from a further expansion when the core density becomes less than the critical density. Therefore, the gravitational field shielding leads a supernova to impulsively explode and form a compact object such as a neutron star as a remnant. It works such that a compressed spring will shoot the oscillator out when the compressed force is suddenly removed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

DETECTION OF AN OUTBURST ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE EXPLOSION OF SN 2011ht

Using imaging from the Pan-STARRS1 survey, we identify a precursor outburst at 287 and 170 days prior to the reported explosion of the purported Type IIn supernova (SN) 2011ht. In the Pan-STARRS data, a source coincident with SN 2011ht is detected exclusively in the z {sub P1} and y {sub P1}-bands. An absolute magnitude of M{sub z} ≅ –11.8 suggests that this was an outburst of the progenitor star. Unfiltered, archival Catalina Real Time Transient Survey images also reveal a coincident source from at least 258 to 138 days before the main event. We suggest that the outburst is likely to be an intrinsically red eruption, although we cannot conclusively exclude a series of erratic outbursts which were observed only in the redder bands by chance. This is only the fourth detection of an outburst prior to a claimed SN, and lends credence to the possibility that many more interacting transients have pre-explosion outbursts, which have been missed by current surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

On the generation of horizontal shear waves by underground explosions in jointed rocks

This paper describes computational studies of non-spherical ground motions generated by spherical explosions in a heavily jointed granite formation. Various factors affecting the shear wave generation are considered, including joint spacing, orientation, persistence and properties. Simulations are performed both in 2D for a single joint set to elucidate the basic response mechanisms, and in 3D for multiple joint sets to realistically represent in situ conditions in a realistic geologic setting. The joints are modeled explicitly using both contact elements and weakness planes in the material. Simulations are performed both deterministically and stochastically to quantify the effects of geologic uncertainties on near field ground motions. The mechanical properties of the rock and the joints as well as the joint spacing and orientation are taken from experimental test data and geophysical logs corresponding to the Climax Stock granitic outcrop, which is the geologic setting of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE). Agreement between simulation results and near field wave motion data from SPE enables newfound understanding of the origin and extent of non-spherical motions associated with underground explosions in fractured geologic media.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Inspecting the minefield and residual explosives by fast neutron activation method

As an upgrade of a robotic mobile system for antipersonnel land-mine clearance, a fast neutron probe has been considered for the detection of mines and explosive residues. Laboratory tests were made by using the 14 MeV 6 x 10{sup 7} neutrons/sec beam with the associated alpha particle detection and with a LaBr{sub 3} gamma ray detector. Simulant of the anti-personal mine was used as a target. Several measurements were made with the target buried into the soil at different depths. For each depth minimal time measurement was estimated for false negative 0.4 % and false positive equal to 10 %. Tests showed that is possible to detect buried land-mine as well as residual explosives; however, in order to reach the optimal speed of 10 cm/s for de-mining vehicle it is necessarily to use several sealed tube neutron generators and few tens of LaBr{sub 3} gamma ray detectors. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optimization of an Energy Tuning Assembly for High Explosives Detection

The Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy (PINS) system, employs neutron-induced gamma-ray spectroscopy and provides a nondestructive method for high explosives detection. In standard operation it uses Californium-252 as a neutron source. Operating PINS with a deuterium-tritium (DT) neutron generator has some advantages over Cf-252, including lifetime and ability to produce high-energy inelastic scattering gamma rays. However, current systems using DT neutron generators suffer from a high environmental background and reduced ability to induce neutron capture, reducing spectral quality and limiting nitrogen sensitivity. Here, this study presents the development of an energy-tuning assembly (ETA) designed to optimize the DT neutron energy spectrum to increase nitrogen reaction rates in a target, thereby improving high explosive detection capabilities. A metaheuristic optimization framework, MultiGNOWEE, coupled with MCNP, was employed to generate two ETA configurations: a single-objective ETA, which maximizes nitrogen capture reactions, and a multi-objective ETA, which balances neutron capture and inelastic scattering. Simulations demonstrated the optimized configurations achieved up to a 10-fold improvement in nitrogen capture rates compared to the bare configuration. Experimental validation was conducted using a DT neutron generator and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Two prototype ETAs were constructed and assessed on a melamine simulant. Measurements demonstrated improved nitrogen detection for both prototype ETA configurations when compared to the standard system.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Challenges of infrared reflective spectroscopy of solid-phase explosives and chemicals on surfaces

Reliable active and passive hyperspectral imaging and detection of explosives and solid-phase chemical residue on surfaces remains a challenge and an active area of research and development. Both methods rely on reference libraries for material identification, but in many cases the reference spectra do not sufficiently resemble those instrumental signals scattered from real-world objects. We describe a physics-based model using the dispersive complex dielectric constant to explain what is often thought of as anomalous behavior of scattered or non-specular signatures encountered in active and passive sensing of explosives or chemicals on surfaces and show modeling and experimental results for RDX.

hyperspectral imaging, infrared reflective spectro↗