The Early Deflagration Burning in Thermonuclear Supernovae: The Role of Magnetic and Turbulent Fields

We study the effects of preexisting turbulent and magnetic fields on the early deflagration phase of centrally ignited flames in near Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs using 3D magneto-hydrodynamic simulations based on FLASH. Understanding this phase is crucial for both the production and distribution of electron capture elements commonly observed in the mid-infrared, and understanding high-magnetic fields evidenced by late-time light curves. Qualitatively, the flame starts at laminar speed for 0.5 to 1s followed by a phase with rapid growth of instabilities. We find that quantitatively electron capture depends on the magnetic and turbulent fields and observations can be used to constrain the initial conditions. Moreover, for the first time, we find significant field amplification during the explosion. Finally, we discuss the implications on the Rayleigh-Taylor dominated regime and the delayed-detonation transition.