http://arxiv.org/abs/2107.03568
The first solids that form as a white dwarf (WD) starts to crystallize are expected to be greatly enriched in actinides. Previously [PRL 126, 1311010] we found that these solids might support a nuclear fission chain reaction that could ignite carbon burning and provide a new Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) mechanism involving an {\it isolated} WD. Here we explore this fission mechanism in more detail and calculate the final temperature and density after the chain reaction and discuss a number of open physics questions.
C. Horowitz and M. Caplan
Fri, 9 Jul 21
12/62
Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures
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