On the morphology of supernova remnants

The difference in morphology between filled and shell type supernova remnants is attributed to differences in the activity of the neutron stars left by the supernovae. Pulsar activity leads to centrally concentrated remnants similar to the Crab. Non-activity as a pulsar results in all of the rotational energy loss going into dipole radiation. The pressure of this radiation creates shell-like objects with hollow interiors such as Cas A.