Astrophysical combustion

There are three main astrophysical combustion systems: the evolution of stars, formation of interstellar dust and particulates, and the transition to hadrons in the early universe. These are described in terms of general combustion concepts, such as ignition, laminar and turbulent flames, detonations, multiphase flows, and particle and soot formation. Viewed in this way, the universe and many of its most important astronomical components are combustion systems, and we should use these as naturally occurring laboratories for exploring new and familiar combustion regimes. A more detailed discussion focuses on one type of combustion system, the ignition and development of turbulent flames in Type Ia supernovae, and the importance of the transition to a detonation.