Detonating Failed Deflagration Model of Thermonuclear Supernovae. II. Comparison to Observations

We develop and demonstrate the methodology of testing multi-dimensionalsupernova models against observations by studying the properties of one exampleof the detonation from failed deflagration (DFD) explosion model ofthermonuclear supernovae. Using time-dependent multi-dimensional radiativetransfer calculations, we generate the synthetic broadband optical lightcurves, near-infrared light curves, color evolution curves, full spectraltime-series, and spectropolarization of the model, as seen from various viewingangles. All model observables are critically evaluated against examples ofwell-observed, standard Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). We explore theconsequences of the intrinsic model asphericity by studying the dependence ofthe model emission on viewing angle, and by quantifying the resultingdispersion in (and internal correlations between) various model observables.These statistical properties of the model are also evaluated against those ofthe available observational sample of SNe Ia. On the whole, the DFD model showsgood agreement with a broad range of SN Ia observations. Certain deficienciesare also apparent, and point to further developments within the basictheoretical framework. We also identify several intriguing orientation effectsin the model which suggest ways in which the asphericity of SNe Ia maycontribute to their photometric and spectroscopic diversity and, conversely,how the relative homogeneity of SNe Ia constrains the degree of asymmetryallowable in the models. The comprehensive methodology adopted in this workproves an essential component of developing and validating theoreticalsupernova models, and helps motivate and clearly define future directions inboth the modeling and the observation of SNe Ia.Comment: 14 pages, submitted to Ap