Parametric transition from deflagration to detonation in stellar medium.

The nature of thermonuclear explosions of white-dwarf stars is a fundamental astrophysical issue, the first principle interpretation of which is still commonly regarded as an unresolved problem. There is a general consensus that stellar explosions are a manifestation of the deflagration-to-detonation transition of an outward propagating self-accelerating thermonuclear flame subjected to instability-induced corrugations. A similar problem arises in unconfined terrestrial flames where a positive feedback mechanism leading to the pressure runaway has been identified. The present study is an application of this finding to the stellar environment. Notwithstanding a substantial modification of the equation of state the runaway effect endures. Approaching the runaway point the pretransition flame may stay perfectly subsonic, which challenges the view that to ensure the transition the flame should cross the threshold of Chapman-Jouguet deflagration.