arXiv subjects

M. H. Pinsonneault

Publications and source records attributed to M. H. Pinsonneault.

57 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv1994

Ages of Galactic Globular Clusters from the New Yale Isochrones

A new grid of theoretical isochrones based on the Yale stellar evolution code using the OPAL and Kurucz opacities has been constructed. The grid of isochrones spans a wide range of metallicities, helium abundances and masses. The construction of the isochrones is described and the isochrones are compared to galactic globular cluster observations. A solar calibrated mixing length ($α= 1.7$) yields a good fit to globular cluster colour-magnitude diagrams. Ages for 40 globular clusters are determined using the \dv method and the formation of the halo is discussed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1994

Stellar Models with Microscopic Diffusion and Rotational Mixing I: Application to the Sun

The Yale stellar evolution code has been modified to include the combined effects of diffusion and rotational mixing on $^1$H, $^4$He and the trace elements $^3$He, $^6$Li, $^7$Li, and $^9$Be. The interaction between rotational mixing and diffusion is studied by calculating a number of calibrated solar models. The rotational mixing inhibits the diffusion in the outer parts of the models, leading to a decrease in the envelope diffusion by 25 -- 50\%. Conversely, diffusion leads to gradients in mean molecular weight which can inhibit the rotational mixing. The degree to which gradients in mean molecular weight inhibits the rotational mixing is somewhat uncertain. A comparison to the observed solar oblateness suggests that gradients in the mean molecular weight play a smaller role in inhibiting the rotational mixing previously believed. This is reinforced by the fact that the model with the standard value for the inhibiting effect of mean molecular weight on the rotational mixing depletes no Li on the main sequence. This is in clear contrast to the observations. A reduction in the inhibiting effect of mean molecular weight gradients by a factor of ten leads to noticeable main sequence Li depletion.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1994

Stellar Models with Microscopic Diffusion and Rotational Mixing II: Application to Open Clusters

Stellar models with masses ranging from 0.5 to $1.3~M_\odot$ were constructed in order to compare to young cluster observations of Li and of rotation velocities. The amount of Li depletion in cool stars is sensitive to the amount of overshoot at the base of the surface convection zone, and the exact metallicity of the models. Even when this uncertainty is taken into account, the Li observations are a severe constraint for the models and rule out standard models, and pure diffusion models. Stellar models which include diffusion and rotational mixing in the radiative regions of stars are able to simultaneously match the Li abundances observed in the Pleiades, UMaG, Hyades, Praesepe, NGC 752 and M67. They also match the observed rotation periods in the Hyades. However, these models are unable to simultaneously explain the presence of the rapidly rotating late G and K stars in the Pleiades and the absence of rapidly rotating late F and early G stars.

astro-ph↗