English

Supernova Reverse Shocks and SiC Growth

Astrophysics 2009-11-07 v1

Abstract

We present new mechanisms by which the isotopic compositions of X-type grains of presolar SiC are altered by reverse shocks in Type II supernovae. We address three epochs of reverse shocks: pressure wave from the H envelope near t = 106^6s; reverse shock from the presupernova wind near 108109^8-10^9s; reverse shock from the ISM near 1010^{10}s. Using 1-D hydrodynamics we show that the first creates a dense shell of Si and C atoms near 106^6s in which the SiC surely condenses. The second reverse shock causes precondensed grains to move rapidly forward through decelerated gas of different isotopic composition, during which implantation, sputtering and further condensation occur simultaneously. The third reverse shock causes only further ion implantation and sputtering, which may affect trace element isotopic compositions. Using a 25M_{\odot} supernova model we propose solutions to the following unsolved questions: where does SiC condense?; why does SiC condense in preference to graphite?; why is condensed SiC 28^{28}Si-rich?; why is O richness no obstacle to SiC condensation?; how many atoms of each isotope are impacted by a grain that condenses at time t0_0 at radial coordinate r0_0? These many considerations are put forward as a road map for interpreting SiC X grains found in meteorites and their meaning for supernova physics.

Cite

@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0302120,
  title  = {Supernova Reverse Shocks and SiC Growth},
  author = {E. A. -N. Deneault and D. D. Clayton and A. Heger},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0302120},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

28 pages, 14 figures, animation for Figure 3 and machine-readable Table 3 can be found at http://antares.steelangel.com/~edeneau/supernova/DHC_2003, Submitted to ApJ