2007/11/06 by Chris L. Fryer, Fryer, Chris L., Steven Diehl +1
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae #Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research #Space Exploration and Technology #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0711.0864
11 pages (including 5 figures), proceedings of the "Hydrogen Deficient Stars" meeting in Tubingen
arxiv created 2007/11/06 · openalex publication_date 2007/11/06 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We review the current state of the art in double degenerate merger simulations to better understand the role this phenomenon plays in type Ia progenitors. Because the fate of a merged system may well depend on the exact evolution of the matter temperature (as well as mixing of the merged system), precision simulations are required to determine the true fate of these systems. Unfortunately, if we compare the results of current simulations, we find many-order of magnitude differences in quantities like mass-transfer rates in the merger process. We discuss these differences and outline an approach using verification and validation that should allow us to achieve a level of precision sufficient to determine the true fate (thermonuclear vs. collapse) of double degenerate mergers. Understanding the fate of lower-mass systems (e.g. R Coronae Borealis stars) may be key in our final testing phase.