This sequence begins as a layer of abundance countours in the conventional "onion skin" layering but is shredded (shown as a series of snapshots).
Casey's movie comparing 2d and 3d convection
Two dimensional simulations are biased by the angular momentum constraint. Large cyclones dominate the flow, with less mixing but higher velocity.
Despite these biases, 2D simulations can give useful global insights, and can be computed in feasible times, as shown in the oxygen burning shell movies below.
Casey's movie of C, Ne, O, and Si burning shells (enuc)
Simulation of the evolution of a 23 solar mass star prior to core collapse. The carbon burning shell is strongly distorted by the turbulent flickering in the oxygen burning shell. Neon burning is feeble. Silicon burning occurs near the boundary and is not properly resolved in this simulation.
Casey's movie of C, Ne, O, and Si burning shells (velocity)
The oxygen shell convective region drives motions (g- and p-mode waves) in the stable interface; these waves interact with the slower convective motions in the carbon burning shell. Last updated 12-7-06.