Simulation of X-Ray Bursts and Superbursts

Regular bursts have been observed in binary systems containing a neutron star with an accretion flow of matter from the companion star. These bursts are so-called type I X-ray bursts and occur due to thermonuclear explosions in the accreted shell of the neutron stars. Observations have shown that after thousands of X-ray bursts a rare superburst event may take place. These superbursts are thought to be triggered by unstable carbon ignition from the accumulated ashes of the previous X-ray bursts. One of our aims is to produce a self-consistent superburst, for which the amount of the remaining C-12 in the ashes is a crucial factor. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of the crustal heating on the behaviour of X-ray bursts and on the composition of their ashes.