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G. Meynet

Publications and source records attributed to G. Meynet.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

SPINSTARS at low metallicities

The main effect of axial rotation on the evolution of massive PopIII stars is to trigger internal mixing processes which allow stars to produce significant amounts of primary nitrogen 14 and carbon 13. Very metal poor massive stars produce much more primary nitrogen than PopIII stars for a given initial mass and rotation velocity. The very metal poor stars undergo strong mass loss induced by rotation. One can distinguish two types of rotationnaly enhanced stellar winds: 1) Rotationally mechanical winds occurs when the surface velocity reaches the critical velocity at the equator, {\it i.e.} the velocity at which the centrifugal acceleration is equal to the gravity; 2) Rotationally radiatively line driven winds are a consequence of strong internal mixing which brings large amounts of CNO elements at the surface. This enhances the opacity and may trigger strong line driven winds. These effects are important for an initial value of $\upsilon/\upsilon_{\rm crit}$ of 0.54 for a 60 M$_\odot$ at $Z=10^{-8}$, {\it i.e.} for initial values of $\upsilon/\upsilon_{\rm crit}$ higher than the one ($\sim$0.4) corresponding to observations at solar $Z$. These two effects, strong internal mixing leading to the synthesis of large amounts of primary nitrogen and important mass losses induced by rotation, occur for $Z$ between about 10$^{-8}$ and 0.001. For metallicities above 0.001 and for reasonable choice of the rotation velocities, internal mixing is no longer efficient enough to trigger these effects.

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Can very massive stars avoid Pair-instability Supernovae?

Very massive primordial stars ($140 M_{\odot} < M < 260 M_{\odot}$) are supposed to end their lives as pair-instability supernovae. Such an event can be traced by a typical chemical signature in low metallicity stars, but at the present time, this signature is lacking in the extremely metal-poor stars we are able to observe. Does it mean that those very massive objects did not form, contrarily to the primordial star formation scenarios? Could they avoid this tragical fate? We explore the effects of rotation, anisotropic mass loss and magnetic fields on the core size of a very massive Population III model, in order to check if its mass is sufficiently modified to prevent the pair instability. We obtain that a Population III model of $150 M_{\odot}$ with $\upsilon/\upsilon_{\rm crit}=0.56$ computed with the inclusion of wind anisotropy and Tayler-Spruit dynamo avoids the pair instability explosion.

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OB Associations, Wolf-Rayet Stars, and the Origin of Galactic Cosmic Rays

We have measured the isotopic abundances of neon and a number of other species in the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) using the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) aboard the ACE spacecraft. Our data are compared to recent results from two-component Wolf-Rayet (WR) models. The three largest deviations of galactic cosmic ray isotope ratios from solar-system ratios predicted by these models, 12C/16O, 22Ne/20Ne, and 58Fe/56Fe, are very close to those observed. All of the isotopic ratios that we have measured are consistent with a GCR source consisting of ~20% of WR material mixed with ~80% material with solar-system composition. Since WR stars are evolutionary products of OB stars, and most OB stars exist in OB associations that form superbubbles, the good agreement of our data with WR models suggests that OB associations within superbubbles are the likely source of at least a substantial fraction of GCRs. In previous work it has been shown that the primary 59Ni (which decays only by electron-capture) in GCRs has decayed, indicating a time interval between nucleosynthesis and acceleration of >10^5 yr.In this paper we suggest a scenario that should allow much of the 59Ni to decay in the OB association environment and conclude that the hypothesis of the OB association origin of cosmic rays appears to be viable.

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The impact of stellar rotation on the CNO abundance patterns in the Milky Way at low metallicities

We investigate the effect of new stellar models, which take rotation into account, computed for very low metallicities on the chemical evolution of the earliest phases of the Milky Way. We check the impact of these new stellar yields on a model for the halo of the Milky Way that can reproduce the observed halo metallicity distribution. In this way we try to better constrain the ISM enrichment timescale, which was not done in our previous work. The stellar models adopted in this work were computed under the assumption that the ratio of the initial rotation velocity to the critical velocity of stars is roughly constant with metallicity. This naturally leads to faster rotation at lower metallicity, as metal poor stars are more compact than metal rich ones. We find that the new Z = 10-8 stellar yields computed for large rotational velocities have a tremendous impact on the interstellar medium nitrogen enrichment for log(O/H)+12 < 7 (or [Fe/H]< -3). We show that upon the inclusion of the new stellar calculations in a chemical evolution model for the galactic halo with infall and outflow, both high N/O and C/O ratios are obtained in the very-metal poor metallicity range in agreement with observations. Our results give further support to the idea that stars at very low metallicities could have initial rotational velocities of the order of 600-800kms-1. An important contribution to N from AGB stars is still needed in order to explain the observations at intermediate metallicities. One possibility is that AGB stars at very low metallicities also rotate fast. This could be tested in the future, once stellar evolution models for fast rotating AGB stars will be available.

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Fast rotating massive stars and the origin of the abundance patterns in galactic globular clusters

We propose the Wind of Fast Rotating Massive Stars scenario to explain the origin of the abundance anomalies observed in globular clusters. We compute and present models of fast rotating stars with initial masses between 20 and 120 Msun for an initial metallicity Z=0.0005 ([Fe/H]=-1.5). We discuss the nucleosynthesis in the H-burning core of these objects and present the chemical composition of their ejecta. We consider the impact of uncertainties in the relevant nuclear reaction rates. Fast rotating stars reach the critical velocity at the beginning of their evolution and remain near the critical limit during the rest of the main sequence and part of the He-burning phase. As a consequence they lose large amounts of material through a mechanical wind which probably leads to the formation of a slow outflowing disk. The material in this slow wind is enriched in H-burning products and presents abundance patterns similar to the chemical anomalies observed in globular cluster stars. In particular, the C, N, O, Na and Li variations are well reproduced by our model. However the rate of the 24Mg(p,gamma) has to be increased by a factor 1000 around 50 MK in order to reproduce the whole amplitude of the observed Mg-Al anticorrelation. We discuss how the long-lived low-mass stars currently observed in globular clusters could have formed out of the slow wind material ejected by massive stars.

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Evolution of the first stellar generations

Although the theoretical study of very low metallicity (Z) and metal-free stars is not new, their importance has recently greatly increased since two related fields have been developing rapidly. The first is cosmological simulations of the formation of the first stars and of the reionisation period. The second is the observations of extremely metal poor stars. In this paper, we present pre-supernova evolution models of massive rotating stars at very low Z (Z=1e-8) and at Z=0. Rotation has a strong impact on mass loss and nucleosynthesis. Models reaching break-up velocities lose up to ten percents of their initial mass. In very low Z models, rotational and convective mixing enhances significantly the surface content in carbon, nitrogen and oxygen (CNO) when the star becomes a red supergiant. This induces a strong mass loss for stars more massive than about 60 solar masses. Our models predict type Ib,c supernovae and gamma-ray bursts at very low Z. Rotational mixing also induces a large production of CNO elements, in particular of primary nitrogen. The stellar wind chemical composition is compatible with the most metal-poor star know to date, HE 1327-2326, for CNO elements. Our models reproduce the early evolution of nitrogen in the Milky Way.

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GRB progenitors at low metallicities

We calculated pre-supernova evolution models of single rotating massive stars. These models reproduce observations during the early stages of the evolution very well, in particular Wolf--Rayet (WR) populations and ratio between type II and type Ib,c supernovae at different metallicities (Z). Using these models we found the following results concerning long and soft gamma--ray burst (GRB) progenitors: - GRBs coming from WO--type (SNIc) WR stars are only produced at low Z (LMC or lower). - The upper metallicity limit for GRBs is reduced to Z ~ 0.004 (SMC) when the effects of magnetic fields are included. - GRBs are predicted from the second (and probably the first) stellar generation onwards.

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The production of short-lived radionuclides by new non-rotating and rotating Wolf-Rayet model stars

It has been speculated that WR winds may have contaminated the forming solar system, in particular with short-lived radionuclides (half-lives in the approximate 10^5 - 10^8 y range) that are responsible for a class of isotopic anomalies found in some meteoritic materials. We revisit the capability of the WR winds to eject these radionuclides using new models of single non-exploding WR stars with metallicity Z = 0.02. The earlier predictions for non-rotating WR stars are updated, and models for rotating such stars are used for the first time in this context. We find that (1) rotation has no significant influence on the short-lived radionuclide production by neutron capture during the core He-burning phase, and (2) 26Al, 36Cl, 41Ca, and 107Pd can be wind-ejected by a variety of WR stars at relative levels that are compatible with the meteoritic analyses for a period of free decay of around 10^5 y between production and incorporation into the forming solar system solid bodies. We confirm the previously published conclusions that the winds of WR stars have a radionuclide composition that can meet the necessary condition for them to be a possible contaminating agent of the forming solar system. Still, it remains to be demonstrated from detailed models that this is a sufficient condition for these winds to have provided a level of pollution that is compatible with the observations.

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A strong case for fast stellar rotation at very low metallicities

We investigate the effect of new stellar models, which take rotation into account, computed for a metallicity Z = 10^{-8} on the chemical evolution of the earliest phases of the Milky Way. These models are computed under the assumption that the ratio of the initial rotation velocity to the critical velocity of stars is roughly constant with metallicity. This naturally leads to faster rotation at lower metallicity, as metal poor stars are more compact than metal rich ones. We find that the new Z = 10^{-8} stellar yields have a tremendous impact on the interstellar medium nitrogen enrichment for log(O/H)+12 < 7 (or [Fe/H]< -3).We show that upon the inclusion of the Z = 10^{-8} stellar yields in chemical evolution models, both high N/O and C/O ratios are obtained in the very-metal poor metallicity range in agreement with observations. Our results give further support to the idea that stars at very low metallicities could have rotational velocities of the order of 600-800 km s^{-1}.

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The chemical composition of metal-poor emission-line galaxies in the Data Release 3 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We have re-evaluated empirical expressions for the abundance determination of N, O, Ne, S, Cl, Ar and Fe taking into account the latest atomic data and constructing an appropriate grid of photoionization models with state-of-the art model atmospheres. Using these expressions we have derived heavy element abundances in the $\sim$ 310 emission-line galaxies from the Data Release 3 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)with an observed Hbeta flux F(Hbeta)> 1E-14 erg s^{-1} cm^{-2} and for which the [O III] 4363 emission line was detected at least at a 2sigma level, allowing abundance determination by direct methods. The oxygen abundance 12 + log O/H of the SDSS galaxies lies in the range from ~ 7.1 (Zsun/30) to 8.5 (0.7 Zsun). The SDSS sample is merged with a sample of 109 blue compact dwarf (BCD) galaxies with high quality spectra, which contains extremely low-metallicity objects. We use the merged sample to study the abundance patterns of low-metallicity emission-line galaxies. We find that extremely metal-poor galaxies (12 + log O/H < 7.6, i.e. Z < Zsun/12) are rare in the SDSS sample. The alpha element-to-oxygen abundance ratios do not show any significant trends with oxygen abundance, in agreement with previous studies, except for a slight increase of Ne/O with increasing metallicity, which we interpret as due to a moderate depletion of O onto grains in the most metal-rich galaxies. The Fe/O abundance ratio is smaller than the solar value, by up to 1 dex at the high metallicity end. (abridged)

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Stellar Evolution with Rotation and Magnetic Fields IV: The Solar Rotation Profile

We examine the generation of a magnetic field in a solar-like star and its effects on the internal distribution of the angular velocity. We suggest that the evolution of a rotating star with magnetic fields leads to an equilibrium value of the differential rotation. This equilibrium is determined by the magnetic coupling, which favours a constant rotation profile, and meridional circulation which tends to build differential rotation. The global equilibrium stage is close to solid body rotation between about 0.7 and 0.2 R_sun, in good agreement with helioseismic measurements.

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Cosmic ray neon, Wolf-Rayet stars, and the superbubble origin of galactic cosmic rays

The abundances of neon isotopes in the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are reported using data from the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) aboard the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE). We compare our ACE-CRIS data for neon and refractory isotope ratios, and data from other experiments, with recent results from two-component Wolf-Rayet (WR) models. The three largest deviations of GCR isotope ratios from solar-system ratios predicted by these models are indeed present in the GCRs. Since WR stars are evolutionary products of OB stars, and most OB stars exist in OB associations that form superbubbles, the good agreement of these data with WR models suggests that superbubbles are the likely source of at least a substantial fraction of GCRs.

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The thermonuclear production of F19 by Wolf-Rayet stars revisited

New models of rotating and non-rotating stars are computed for initial masses between 25 and 120 Msun and for metallicities Z = 0.004, 0.008, 0.020 and 0.040 with the aim of reexamining the wind contribution of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars to the F19 enrichment of the interstellar medium. Models with an initial rotation velocity vini = 300 km/s are found to globally eject less F19 than the non-rotating models. We compare our new predictions with those of Meynet & Arnould (2000), and demonstrate that the F19 yields are very sensitive to the still uncertain F19(alpha,p)Ne22 rate and to the adopted mass loss rates. Using the recommended mass loss rate values that take into account the clumping of the WR wind and the NACRE reaction rates when available, we obtain WR F19 yields that are significantly lower than predicted by Meynet & Arnould (2000), and that would make WR stars non-important contributors to the galactic F19 budget. In view, however, of the large nuclear and mass loss rate uncertainties, we consider that the question of the WR contribution to the galactic F19 remains quite largely open.

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Stellar evolution with rotation XIII: Predicted GRB rates at various Z

We present the evolution of rotation in models of massive single stars covering a wide range of masses and metallicities. These models reproduce very well observations during the early stages of the evolution (in particular WR populations and ratio between type II and type Ib,c at different metallicities, see Meynet & Maeder 2005). Our models predict the production of fast rotating black holes. Models with large initial masses or high metallicity end their life with less angular momentum in their central remnant with respect to the break-up limit for the remnant. Many WR star models satisfy the three main criteria (black hole formation, loss of hydrogen-rich envelope and enough angular momentum to form an accretion disk around the black hole) for gamma-ray bursts (GRB) production via the collapsar model (Woosley 1993). Considering all types of WR stars as GRB progenitors, there would be too many GRBs compared to observations. If we consider only WO stars (type Ic supernovae as is the case for SN2003dh/GRB030329, see Matheson et al. 2003) as GRBs progenitors, the GRBs production rates are in much better agreement with observations. WO stars are produced only at low metallicities in the present grid of models. This prediction can be tested by future observations.

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Yields of rotating stars at solar metallicity

We present a new set of stellar yields obtained from rotating stellar models at solar metallicity covering the massive star range (12-60 solar masses). The stellar models were calculated with the latest version of the Geneva stellar evolution code described in Hirschi et al (2004). Evolution and nucleosynthesis are in general followed up to silicon burning. The yields of our non-rotating models are consistent with other calculations and differences can be understood in the light of the treatment of convection and the rate used for C12(a,g)O16. This verifies the accuracy of our calculations and gives a safe basis for studying the effects of rotation on the yields. The contributions from stellar winds and supernova explosions to the stellar yields are presented separately. We then add the two contributions to compute the total stellar yields. Below about 30 solar masses, rotation increases the total metal yields, Z, and in particular the yields of carbon and oxygen by a factor of 1.5-2.5. As a rule of thumb, the yields of a rotating 20 solar masses star are similar to the yields of a non-rotating 30 solar masses star, at least for the light elements considered in this work. For very massive stars (around 60 solar masses), rotation increases the yield of helium but does not significantly affect the yields of heavy elements.

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Rotating massive stars: Pre-SN models and stellar yields at solar metallicity

We present a new set of stellar yields obtained from rotating stellar models at solar metallicity covering the massive star range (9-120 solar masses). The stellar models were calculated with the latest version of the Geneva stellar evolution code described in Hirschi et al 2004a. The contributions from stellar winds and from supernova explosions to the stellar yields were calculated separately. The two contributions were then added to compute the total stellar yields (Hirschi et al 2004b). The effects of rotation on pre-supernova models are significant between 15 and 30 solar masses. Above 20 solar masses, rotation may change the radius or colour of the supernova progenitors (blue instead of red supergiant) and the supernova type (IIb or Ib instead of II). Rotation increases the helium and CO core sizes by a factor about 1.5. Thus, rotation increases the total metallic yields and in particular the yields for carbon and oxygen by a factor 1.5-2.5. For Wolf-Rayet stars (M>30 solar masses), rotation increases the yields of helium and other hydrogen burning products but does not significantly affect the yields of heavy elements.

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New estimates of the contribution of Wolf--Rayet stellar winds to the Galactic 26Al

We present new yields of 26Al from Wolf--Rayet stellar winds based on rotating stellar models which account well for numerous observed properties of massive stars. We study the impacts on the yields of a change of initial mass, metallicity and initial rotation velocity. We also consider the effects of a change of mass loss rates during the Wolf--Rayet phase. We show that for surface rotation velocities during the core H--burning phase matching to the observed ones, the quantity of 26Al ejected by a star of a given initial mass and metallicity is roughly doubled when the effects of rotation are taken into account. The metallicity dependence of the yield is, on the other hand, very similar to that obtained from non--rotating models. We estimate that at least about 20% to 50% (e.g. 0.6 --1.4 Msun) of the live 26Al detected in the Milky--Way originates from Wolf--Rayet stellar winds. We show the importance of a good knowledge of the present metallicity gradient and star formation rate in our galaxy for modeling both the variation of the 26Al surface density with the galactocentric distance and the global contribution of the Wolf--Rayet stellar winds to the present galactic mass of 26Al.

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Stellar evolution with rotation XI: Wolf-Rayet star populations at different metallicities

Grids of models of massive stars ($M \ge$ 20 $M_\odot$) with rotation are computed for metallicities $Z$ ranging from that of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) to that of the Galactic Centre. The hydrostatic effects of rotation, the rotational mixing and the enhancements of the mass loss rates by rotation are included. The evolution of the surface rotational velocities of the most massive O--stars mainly depends on the mass loss rates and thus on the initial $Z$ value. The minimum initial mass for a star for entering the Wolf--Rayet (WR) phase is lowered by rotation. For all metallicities, rotating stars enter the WR phase at an earlier stage of evolution and the WR lifetimes are increased, mainly as a result of the increased duration of the eWNL phase. Models of WR stars predict in general rather low rotation velocities ($ < 50$ km s$^{-1}$) with a few possible exceptions, particularly at metallicities lower than solar where WR star models have in general faster rotation and more chance to reach the break--up limit.The properties of the WR populations as predicted by the rotating models are in general in much better agreement with the observations in nearby galaxies. The observed variation with metallicity of the fractions of type Ib/Ic supernovae with respect to type II supernovae as found by Prantzos & Boissier (\cite{Pr03}) is very well reproduced by the rotating models, while non--rotating models predict much too low ratios.

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