3D Massive Stars: From Envelope Convection to Pulsating Supernova Progenitors featuring Jing-Ze Ma (Caltech)

Hosted by: Luca Boccioli (TU Darmstadt)

Abstract: Nuclear processes in massive stars and supernovae depend sensitively on the stellar models. However, most of our understanding of massive stars is still limited to 1D models or 3D models of core/shell burning. In this talk, I will present advanced 3D simulations with angle-dependent radiation transport, and argue that the outer envelopes of massive stars are intrinsically 3D objects. I will show that (1) envelope convection is dominated by plumes different from standard 1D treatments, and (2) outer layers of luminous massive stars are unstable and prone to mass ejections. These results have interesting implications for burning at the base of convective envelopes, observations of massive stars, and supernova explosions.