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C. Charbonnel

Publications and source records attributed to C. Charbonnel.

98 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
arXiv1998

Grids of stellar models. VIII. From 0.4 to 1.0 Msun at Z=0.020 and Z=0.001, with the MHD equation of state

We present stellar evolutionary models covering the mass range from 0.4 to 1 Msun calculated for metallicities Z=0.020 and 0.001 with the MHD equation of state (Hummer & Mihalas, 1988; Mihalas et al. 1988; Däppen et al. 1988). A parallel calculation using the OPAL (Rogers et al. 1996) equation of state has been made to demonstrate the adequacy of the MHD equation of state in the range of 1.0 to 0.8 Msun (the lower end of the OPAL tables). Below, down to 0.4 Msun, we have justified the use of the MHD equation of state by theoretical arguments and the findings of Chabrier & Baraffe (1997). We use the radiative opacities by Iglesias & Rogers (1996), completed with the atomic and molecular opacities by Alexander & Fergusson (1994). We follow the evolution from the Hayashi fully convective configuration up to the red giant tip for the most massive stars, and up to an age of 20 Gyr for the less massive ones. We compare our solar-metallicity models with recent models computed by other groups and with observations. The present stellar models complete the set of grids computed with the same up-to-date input physics by the Geneva group [Z=0.020 and 0.001, Schaller et al. (1992), Bernasconi (1996), and Charbonnel et al. (1996); Z=0.008, Schaerer et al. (1992); Z=0.004, Charbonnel et al. (1993); Z=0.040, Schaerer et al. (1993); Z=0.10, Mowlavi et al. (1998); enhanced mass loss rate evolutionary tracks, Meynet et al. (1994)].

astro-ph↗
arXiv1998

How many low-mass stars do destroy 3He?

We recall the current status of the long-standing 3He problem, and its possible connection with chemical anomalies on the red giant branch. In this context, we collect in the literature all the available observations of the carbon isotopic ratio in field and cluster giant stars. Using the HIPPARCOS parallaxes, we get constraints on the evolutionary status of the field stars of the sample. This allows us to identify the stars that have passed the luminosity function bump and present 12C/13C ratios in disagreement with the standard predictions of stellar evolutionary models. We determine statistically what fraction of low mass stars experience an extra-mixing process on the red giant branch, and are then expected to destroy their 3He at this evolutionary phase. The high number we get satisfies the galactic requirements for the evolution of the 3He abundance.

astro-ph↗
arXiv1998

The Li dip : a probe of angular momentum transport in low mass stars

We use the measures of Li and rotational velocities in F Hyades stars to assess the role of the wind-driven meridian circulation and of shear turbulence in the transport of angular momentum in stars of different masses. Our models include both element segregation and rotation-induced mixing, and we treat simultaneously the transport of matter and angular momentum as described by Zahn (1992) and Maeder (1995). We show that the hot side of the Li dip in the Hyades is well explained within this framework, which was also successfully used to reproduce the C and N anomalies in B type stars (Talon et al. 1997). On the cool side of the dip, another mechanism must participate in the transport of angular momentum; its efficiency is linked to the depth of the surface convection zone. That mechanism should also be responsible for the Sun's flat rotation profile.

astro-ph↗
arXiv1998

On some properties of very metal-rich stars

An analysis of some properties of stellar models as a function of metallicity Z (and helium content Y) is presented, with special attention to those stars with metallicities higher than twice or three times solar. It is shown that the stellar properties as a function of Z are mainly determined by the effects of the opacities at sub-solar metallicities, and by the effects of the mean molecular weight and stellar mass loss at higher metallicities. As a result, very metal-rich stars (Z >~0.05) exhibit properties that deviate from what is expected from the known characteristics at lower metallicities. In particular, they are more luminous and hotter than those at Z <~ 0.05 due to the effect of the mean molecular weight. They have main sequence lifetimes much shorter (60 % shorter at Z=0.1 than at Z=0.02) than those at solar metallicity due to their lower initial hydrogen content. Finally, the high mass loss rates at high metallicities affect significantly the population synthesis of massive stars in very metal-rich regions. An analysis of expected Wolf-Rayet and supernovae populations in such conditions is briefly presented.

astro-ph↗
arXiv1998

Yields from Low- and Intermediate-Mass Stars

Stellar nucleosynthesis is the corner-stone of many astrophysical problems. Its understanding, which can be tested by countless observations, leads to insights into the stellar structure and evolution, and provides crucial clues to the physics of the galaxies and of the universe. Precise answers can be given to the questions ``When, where and how the chemical elements are synthesized in stars?", and will be summarized in this paper for what concerns stars of low and intermediate mass. However, in spite of the observational confirmation of many predictions, important and complementary data reveal some weaknesses in the theory of stellar physics. In particular, the mixing processes of chemicals inside the stars, as well as the mass loss and ejection mechanisms, are poorly known. Their rudimentary treatment imposes the use of parameters which strongly influence the predicted chemical yields. In our discussion, we will underline the future developments that may lead to quantitative changes in the predictions of chemicals production by low and intermediate mass stars.

astro-ph↗
arXiv1996

New Solar Models Including Helioseismological Constraints and Light-Element Depletion

We have computed new solar models using the same stellar evolution code as described in Charbonnel, Vauclair and Zahn (1992). This code, originating from Geneva, now includes the computation of element segregation for helium and 12 heavier isotopes. It may also include any type of mixing of the stellar gas, provided this mixing may be parametrized with an effective diffusion coefficient as a function of radius. Here we introduced rotation-induced mixing as prescribed by Zahn (1992). We present five solar models: the standard model; two models including pure element segregation; two models with both element segregation and rotation-induced mixing. The $u = {P \over ρ}$ function computed as a function of radius in these new solar models are compared to the helioseismological results obtained for the same function by Dziembowski et al (1994). Improving the physics of the models leads to a better consistency with helioseismology. In our best model, which includes both segregation and mixing, the relative difference in the $ u $ function between the model and the helioseismological results is smaller than 0.5 per cent at all radii except at the center and the surface. Meanwhile lithium is depleted by a factor 155 and beryllium by a factor 2.9, which is consistent with the observations. The bottom of the convective zone lies at a fractional radius of 0.716, consistent with helioseismology. The neutrino fluxes are not decreased in any of these models. The models including the computations of element segregation lead to a present surface helium abundance of: $ Y_{surf} $ between 0.248 and 0.258, which is in satisfactory agreement with the value derived from helioseismology.

astro-ph↗
arXiv1995

Destruction of 3He in Low Mass Stars and Implications for Chemical Evolution

Recent observations of 3He/H in different environments tend to prove that 3He is not produced in low mass stars, contrary to the standard predictions of stellar evolution theory. We show how a simple consistent mechanism, namely rotation-induced mixing, can lead to the destruction of 3He in low mass stars and simultaneously account for the low 12C/13C ratios and low lithium abundances observed in giant stars of different populations. This process should both naturally account for the recent measurements of 3He/H in galactic HII regions and allow for high values of 3He observed in some planetary nebulae.

astro-ph↗