Abstract
The process by which subsonic deflagration flames transition to supersonic detonations plays a critical role in both terrestrial and astrophysical environments. In particular, detonation initiation is central to understanding how and when white dwarfs become Type Ia supernovae. Recent theoretical and experimental work has demonstrated that turbulent flames become unstable to detonation initiation when they exceed a critical speed, known as the Chapman-Jouguet velocity. The role of magnetic fields in this context of turbulent burning is still relatively unexplored. The influence of the magnetic field, either through the energy released by magnetic reconnection, or the limiting of flame folding by rapid instabilities such as the tearing mode may also influence the burning. This thesis utilizes theory and astronomical observations to explore the effects of magnetism on turbulent burning, culminating in a hypothetical model of magnetic reconnection induced ignition that may prove useful in explaining the SNe Iax subclass.