Insights into the Production of 44Ti and Nickel Isotopes in Core-collapse Supernovae

Abstract

We report nucleosynthetic results for both ^44 Ti and nickel isotopes for 18 three-dimensional (3D) core-collapse supernova (CCSN) simulations extended to ∼20 s after bounce. We find that many of our long-term models are able to achieve ^44 Ti/ ^56 Ni ratios similar to that observed in Cassiopeia A, and modern supernova models can synthesize up to 2 × 10 ^−4 M _⊙ of ^44 Ti. Neutrino-driven winds and the fact that there can be simultaneous accretion and explosion in 3D models of CCSNe play central roles in its production. We conclude that the ^44 Ti underproduction problem in previous CCSN models is no longer an issue. In addition, we discuss the production of both ^57 Ni and stable nickel/iron ratios and compare our results to observations of SN 1987A and the Crab.

Keywords

• Core-collapse supernovae
• Nucleosynthesis