Global comparison of core-collapse supernova simulations in spherical symmetry

Abstract

We present a comparison between several simulation codes designed to studythe core-collapse supernova mechanism. We pay close attention to controllingthe initial conditions and input physics in order to ensure a meaningful andinformative comparison. Our goal is three-fold. First, we aim to demonstratethe current level of agreement between various groups studying the core-collapse supernova central engine. Second, we desire to form a strong basis forfuture simulation codes and methods to compare to. Lastly, we want this workto be a stepping stone for future work exploring more complex simulations ofcore-collapse supernovae, i.e., simulations in multiple dimensions and simu-lations with modern neutrino and nuclear physics. We compare the early(first∼500 ms after core bounce)spherically-symmetric evolution of a 20Meprogenitor star from six different core-collapse supernovae codes: 3DnSNe-IDSA, AGILE-BOLTZTRAN, FLASH, FORNAX, GR1D, and PRO-METHEUS-VERTEX. Given the diversity of neutrino transport and hydro-dynamic methods employed, wefind excellent agreement in many criticalquantities, including the shock radius evolution and the amount of neutrinoheating. Our results provide an excellent starting point from which to extendthis comparison to higher dimensions and compare the development ofhydrodynamic instabilities that are crucial to the supernova explosion mech-anism, such as turbulence and convection.