Burning Modes

• Fast rise times suggest that the burning must proceed rapidly around the neutron star if it begins at a point.

• What localizes the burning initially?

  • Magnetically confined fuel
  • Rotation

• Localized burning can proceed (Fryxell & Woosley 1982 ApJ):

  • Supersonically: detonation front
  • Subsonically: conductive/convective deflagration front.