Progenitors of core-collapse supernovae

• Main Author: Eldridge, J. J.
• Published: University of Cambridge 2004
• Subjects: 520
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.598804

The progenitors of core-collapse supernovae are stars with an initial mass greater than about 8M⊙. Understanding the evolution of these stars is necessary to comprehend the evolution and differences between supernovae. We have constructed new and unique opacity tables to increase model accuracy during the latest stages of stellar evolution. We have investigated how initial mass, initial composition and mass loss affects the progenitors and their populations. There are many prescriptions for mass loss. Different research groups use their preferred rates. We have compared 12 different prescriptions and determined which provides the best fit to observations. We use our preferred mass-loss scheme to make suggestions as to the source of the differences between supernova types from our progenitor models. Binary evolution is considered in order to search for low luminosity SN progenitors and progenitor types not possible from single stars. Removal of the hydrogen envelope is more common and we find quite different hydrogen deficient SN progenitors. We discuss the implications of our binary models for ultra-luminous X-ray sources and gamma-ray bursts. We present an estimation of the mass distribution for black holes at various metallicities showing that massive black holes are not formed until very low metallicities. Finally we combine the single star and binary results to determine their relative populations and compare to observations. However it is not possible to draw many firm conclusions because of the uncertainty in observations to date.