Physics Master of Science Thesis Defense by Mark Marrocco, Jr.
Physics Master of Science Thesis Defense by Mark Marrocco, Jr.
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 9:30am
Topic: The Fires of Chaos: Mechanisms of Turbulent Burning in Magnetic White Dwarfs
Location: SENG 201
Abstract:
The process by which subsonic deflagration flames transition to supersonic detonations plays a critical role in both terrestrial and astrophysical environments. In particular, detonation initiation is central to understanding how and when white dwarfs become Type Ia supernovae. Recent theoretical and experimental work has demonstrated that turbulent flames become unstable to detonation initiation when they exceed a critical speed, known as the Chapman-Jouguet velocity. The role of magnetic fields in this context of turbulent burning is still relatively unexplored. The influence of the magnetic field, either through the energy released by magnetic reconnection, or the limiting of flame folding by rapid instabilities such as the tearing mode may also influence the burning. In this thesis, I utilize theory, simulations, and relevant astronomical observations to determine the impact which processes including magnetic reconnection and tearing mode instabilities have upon detonations initiations
Advisor(s): Dr. Robert Fisher, Department of Physics
Committee members:
Dr. David Kagan, Department of Physics
Dr. Jay Wang, Department of Physics
Note: All PHY Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
SENG 201