Wednesday, December 5, 2012

1212.0313 (N. Mennekens et al.)

Progenitors of type Ia supernovae and the metallicity distribution of G-type dwarfs    [PDF]

N. Mennekens, D. Vanbeveren, J. P. De Greve
We investigate the contribution to the formation of type Ia supernovae of the single (a white dwarf accreting from a non-degenerate companion) and double (two merging white dwarfs) degenerate scenario, as well as various aspects of the binary evolution process leading to such a progenitor system. We use the combination of a population synthesis code with detailed binary evolution and a galactic chemical evolution model to predict the metallicity distribution of G-type dwarfs in the solar neighborhood. Because of the very long lifetime of these stars, this distribution is a good indicator of the entire chemical history of a region. By comparing the observed distribution with those predicted by assuming different type Ia supernova progenitors and evolutionary parameters (e.g. concerning mass and angular momentum loss and common envelope evolution), it is possible to constrain the possible combinations of assumptions. We find that in order to reproduce the observed G-dwarf metallicity distribution, it is absolutely necessary to include both the single and double degenerate scenario. The best match is obtained when all merging C-O white dwarfs contribute to the latter. The correspondence is also critically dependent on the assumptions about galaxy and star formation, e.g. the use of the two-infall model vs. a constant star formation rate. However, this does not affect the previous conclusion, which is consistent with the results obtained by investigating type Ia supernova delay time distributions in starburst galaxies.
View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1212.0313

No comments:

Post a Comment