Exploring the Nucleosynthesis of Core Collapse Supernovae in Multidimensions

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In addition to being among the most energetic of astrophysical events, core collapsesupernovae are the most productive factories of the heavy elements which are necessary forlife. As a result, they are critical players in the origin and evolution of the chemicalelements, a subject of study central to the Directorate of Mathematical \& PhysicalSciences' Origins of the Universe theme. Supernovae have also been, and continue to be,objects of great interest to a wide range of NSF-funded astronomical, nuclear and particlephysics experiments and observatories, from radio and optical telescopes to nuclearaccelerators and neutrino and gravity wave detectors. The theoretical study of corecollapse supernovae has progressed greatly in recent years, however compelling questionsremain.In this proposal, we advance a plan to improve our understanding ofthe nucleosynthesis which results when a core collapse supernovae explodes. This proposalbuilds on our current efforts and is complimentary to DoE funded research into the corecollapse supernova mechanism at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While the theoreticalstudy of core collapse supernovae has progressed greatly in the past decade, fundamentalquestions remain, including ''Can the neutrino reheating mechanism, when calculatedaccurately in multidimensions, successfully produce supernova explosions?'' Key toanswering these questions is the ability to compare the computed models with observations.Since many of the important observations of supernovae highlight the elementalcomposition, accurate calculation of the nucleosynthesis of these multi-dimensional corecollapse supernova simulations is needed. In particular, we need to see how realisticnucleosynthesis, calculated in a self-consistent multi-dimensional fashion, differs fromcurrent parameterized one dimensional models. We therefore propose to build on ourworld-leading neutrino radiation hydrodynamic capability and investigate thenucleosynthesis of these models. Our ultimate goal is self consistent nucleosynthesis,calculated in situ within the neutrino radiation hydrodynamic models, but we will alsodiscuss interim steps that will give us some nucleosynthesis information more immediately.The realization that "we are star stuff", that the chemical elements that compose ourbodies and our world originate in stars, has penetrated deep into the public awareness,reaching as far as pop culture and philosophy. Thus, the study of Cosmic Origins isscience with broad societal impact and interest. In response to this public curiosity,Hix and Mezzacappa have given several public lectures on this topic in recent years andexpect to continue to do so as part of this proposed effort. This proposal would furtherthe interdisciplinary collaboration between nuclear physics and astrophysics. Thisproposal would also further educational and professional development on several fronts.This proposal would fund the involvement of a graduate student in supernova researchefforts at ORNL, providing educational access to a world class scientific environment. Wealso anticipate the involvement in this research of summer undergraduate students, as wehave in the past, through the Science Alliance funded by the state of Tennessee. Finallythis proposal would allow Hix to develop his independent research agenda, furthering hisdevelopment as a scientist.