A Nucleosynthetic Origin for the Southwestern Fe-rich Structure in Kepler's Supernova Remnant

Toshiki Sato, Eduardo Bravo, Carles Badenes, John J. Hughes, Brian J. Williams, Hiroya Yamaguchi

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12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chandra X-ray observations of Kepler's supernova remnant indicate the existence of a high-speed Fe-rich ejecta structure in the southwestern region. We report strong K-shell emission from Fe-peak elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni), as well as Ca, in this Fe-rich structure, implying that those elements could be produced in the inner area of the exploding white dwarf. We found Ca/Fe, Cr/Fe, Mn/Fe, and Ni/Fe mass ratios of 1.0%-4.1%, 1.0%-4.6%, 1%-11%, and 2%-30%, respectively. In order to constrain the burning regime that could produce this structure, we compared these observed mass ratios with those in 18 one-dimensional Type Ia nucleosynthesis models (including both near-M Ch and sub-M Ch explosion models). The observed mass ratios agree well with those around the middle layer of incomplete Si burning in Type Ia nucleosynthesis models with a peak temperature of ∼(5.0-5.3) × 109 K and a high metallicity, Z > 0.0225. Based on our results, we infer the necessity for some mechanism to produce protruding Fe-rich clumps dominated by incomplete Si-burning products during the explosion. We also discuss the future perspectives of X-ray observations of Fe-rich structures in other Type Ia supernova remnants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number104
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume890
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 20 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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