The curious story of supernova

• See more in My Research

• Supernova physics

  • I use multi-D hydrodynamical simulations to simulate the last minute of stars as they explode as supernovae. I predict the associated chemical and optical signatures. I use observational data to constrain the explosion progenitors of observed supernovae, and learn about their mechanisms. I am intererested in Type Ia supernova, electron capture supernova, pulsational pair-instability supernova and collapsar.

• Massive star evolution and mass loss

  • I use the stellar evolution code MESA to generate and evolve massive star models with updated input physics to capture the dynamical mass loss prior to supernova explosion. I study how the wave energy transport triggers the later mass outburst. The pre-explosion model is then fed to my modeling pipeline with radiative transfer for the subsequent explosion and optical signal. Click here to see more.

• Dark matter astrophysics

  • I use stellar objects (main-sequence or compact stars) to probe the mysterious dark matter. One major impact from dark matter is that the universal Chandrasekhar mass actually depends on the dark matter admixture. We find that Type Ia supernovae with dark matter admixture can naturally explain some sub-luminous supernovae observed. Click here to see more. 

I think teaching is an important mean for me to pass precious and vital knowledge from one generation to another. The devoted teaching hours allows me to explore effective ways to inspire students, given their wide diversity in personal and educational background. 

Physics (to the portal):

• Calculus-based Physics I - Mechanics (PHY 201T/L)

• Calculus-based Physics II - Electromagnetism (PHY 202T/L)

• Modern Physics (PHY 351T)

• Intermediate Mechanics (PHY 361)

Programming (to the portal): 

• Learning Pandas from Zero

• Python Crash Course