Supernova explosions in degenerate stars - detonation, deflagration, and electron capture

Presupernova evolution and the hydrodynamic behavior of supernova explosions in stars having electron-degenerate cores are summarized. Carbon deflagration supernovae in C+O cores disrupt the star completely. On the other hand, in electron capture supernovae, O+Ne+Mg cores collapse to form neutron stars despite the competing oxygen deflagration. Also discussed are white dwarf models for Type I supernovae (SN I). Supernova explosions in accreting white dwarfs are either the detonation or deflagration type depending mainly on the accretion rate. The carbon deflagration model reproduces many of the observed features of SN I. (Auth.)