Microphysics of Astrophysical Flames

Type Ia supernovae are thought to begin with a deflagration phase, in which burning occurs as a subsonic flame, which accelerates and possibly undergoes a transition to a supersonic detonation. Both the acceleration and possible transition will depend on the microphysics of astrophysical flames, and their interaction with a turbulent flow in degenerate material. Here we present recent progress in studying the interactions of astrophysical flames and curvature and strain at the FLASH center; in particular, we discuss quantitative measurements of the effects of strain on burning rate of these flames, and their implications for instability growth and quenching.