The Role of Mixing in Astrophysics

Abstract

The role of hydrodynamic mixing in astrophysics is reviewed, emphasizing connections with laser physics experiments and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Computer technology now allows two dimensional (2D) simulations, with complex microphysics, of stellar hydrodynamics and evolutionary sequences, and holds the promise for 3D. Careful validation of astrophysical methods, by laboratory experiment, by critical comparison of numerical and analytical methods, and by observation are necessary for the development of simulation methods with reliable predictive capability. Recent and surprising results from isotopic patterns in presolar grains, 2D hydrodynamic simulations of stellar evolution, and laser tests and computer simulations of Richtmeyer-Meshkov and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities are discussed, and related to stellar evolution and supernovae.