Project description
Improved models to study chemical elements in supernova explosions
Core-collapse supernovae are dramatic explosions of giant stars at the end of their evolution giving birth to neutron stars and black holes. They are amongst the most energetic phenomena in the universe. They play a crucial role in our understanding of the chemical composition of the universe and are ideal laboratories for studying neutrino and particle physics. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NUC4SIM project aims to advance state-of-the-art models of predicting supernova compositions that do not treat the stars as 1D spherically symmetric bodies. Instead, researchers will use first-principle three-dimensional calculations to more accurately study the composition of the explosion ejecta. They will also study the implications of neutrino emission asymmetries and neutrino flavour conversions.
Objective
Core-collapse supernova (CCSN) explosions mark the end of the life of stars heavier than 10 times the mass of our sun, they play a crucial role for our understanding of the chemical composition of the universe and they are ideal laboratories for effects of neutrino and particle physics. Current research in astrophysics, astronomy and cosmochemistry that requires theoretical CCSN models still, however, relies predominantly on one-dimensional, i.e. spherically symmetric parameterized calculations. This project aims at advancing the state-of-the-art by calculating the composition of CCSN material based on the most recent, first-principles 3D simulations and by providing the results to the community in accordance with FAIR data management principles. The researcher's background in nuclear and neutrino physics will also allow him to study the implications of uniquely multi-dimensional asymmetries in the neutrino emission and the consequences of neutrino flavor conversions, a quantum effect that changes the particles' spectra, for nucleosynthesis, both of which have never been explored and may lead to observational signatures. To achieve the goals, a new and innovative framework for nucleosynthesis calculations at the Max-Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching will be developed, based on an open-source reaction network code, which the researcher has contributed to and that he will apply to unique cutting-edge models. The fellow will obtain in-depth knowledge about supernovae and learn state-of-the-art techniques from the world-class team of Prof. Janka and apply them. He will broaden the scope of his work, complemented by a career development plan, training courses and coaching as well as detailed dissemination and public outreach plans to maximize the impact of the project's outcome. The completion of the project will allow the fellow to become a mature and independent scientist, well-recognized in his field of research.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
80539 Munchen
Germany