arXiv subjects

Stephane Goriely

Publications and source records attributed to Stephane Goriely.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Databases and tools for nuclear astrophysics applications BRUSsels Nuclear LIBrary (BRUSLIB), Nuclear Astrophysics Compilation of REactions II (NACRE II) and Nuclear NETwork GENerator (NETGEN)

An update of a previous description of the BRUSLIB+NACRE package of nuclear data for astrophysics and of the web-based nuclear network generator NETGEN is presented. The new version of BRUSLIB contains the latest predictions of a wide variety of nuclear data based on the most recent version of the Brussels-Montreal Skyrme-HFB model. The nuclear masses, radii, spin/parities, deformations, single-particle schemes, matter densities, nuclear level densities, E1 strength functions, fission properties, and partition functions are provided for all nuclei lying between the proton and neutron drip lines over the 8<=Z<=110 range, whose evaluation is based on a unique microscopic model that ensures a good compromise between accuracy, reliability, and feasibility. In addition, these various ingredients are used to calculate about 100000 Hauser-Feshbach n-, p-, a-, and gamma-induced reaction rates based on the reaction code TALYS. NACRE is superseded by the NACRE II compilation for 15 charged-particle transfer reactions and 19 charged-particle radiative captures on stable targets with mass numbers A < 16. NACRE II features the inclusion of experimental data made available after the publication of NACRE in 1999 and up to 2011. In addition, the extrapolation of the available data to the very low energies of astrophysical relevance is improved through the systematic use of potential models. Uncertainties in the rates are also evaluated on this basis. The latest release of the web-based tool NETGEN is presented. It contains in a fully documented form the new BRUSLIB and NACRE II data, as well as new experiment-based radiative neutron capture cross sections. The full new versions of BRUSLIB, NACRE II, and NETGEN are available electronically at http://www.astro.ulb.ac.be/NuclearData. The nuclear material is presented in an extended tabular form complemented with a variety of graphical interfaces.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2012

Post-AGB stars in the SMC as tracers of stellar evolution: the extreme s-process enrichment of the 21 micrometer star J004441.04-732136.4

By virtue of their spectral types, favourable bolometric corrections as well as their constrained distances, post-AGB stars in external galaxies offer unprecedented tests to AGB nucleosynthesis and dredge-up predictions. We focus here on one object J004441.04-732136.4, which is the only known 21 micrometer source of the SMC. Spectral abundance results reveal J004441.04-732136.4 to be one of the most s-process enriched objects found up to date, while the photospheric C/O ratio of 1.9 +- 0.7, shows the star is only modestly C-rich. J004441.04-732136.4 also displays a low [Fe/H] = -1.34 +- 0.32, which is significantly lower than the mean metallicity of the SMC. From the SED, a luminosity of 7600 +- 200 solar luminosities is found, together with E(B-V) = 0.64 +- 0.02. According to evolutionary post-AGB tracks, the initial mass should be approximately 1.3 solar masses. The photometric variability shows a clear period of 97.6 +- 0.3 days. The detected C/O as well as the high s-process overabundances (e.g. [Y/Fe] = 2.15, [La/Fe] = 2.84) are hard to reconcile with the predictions. The chemical models also predict a high Pb abundance, which is not compatible with the detected spectrum, and a very high 12C/13C, which is not yet constrained by observations. The predictions are only marginally dependent on the evolution codes used. We show that our theoretical predictions match the s-process distribution, but fail in reproducing the detected high overabundances and predict a high Pb abundance which is not detected. Additionally, there remain serious problems in explaining the observed pulsational properties of this source.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

R-Process Nucleosynthesis in Dynamically Ejected Matter of Neutron Star Mergers

Although the rapid neutron-capture process, or r-process, is fundamentally important for explaining the origin of approximately half of the stable nuclei with A > 60, the astrophysical site of this process has not been identified yet. Here we study r-process nucleosynthesis in material that is dynamically ejected by tidal and pressure forces during the merging of binary neutron stars (NSs) and within milliseconds afterwards. For the first time we make use of relativistic hydrodynamical simulations of such events, defining consistently the conditions that determine the nucleosynthesis, i.e., neutron enrichment, entropy, early density evolution and thus expansion timescale, and ejecta mass. We find that 10^{-3}-10^{-2} solar masses are ejected, which is enough for mergers to be the main source of heavy (A > 140) galactic r-nuclei for merger rates of some 10^{-5} per year. While asymmetric mergers eject 2-3 times more mass than symmetric ones, the exact amount depends weakly on whether the NSs have radii of ~15 km for a "stiff" nuclear equation of state (EOS) or ~12 km for a "soft" EOS. R-process nucleosynthesis during the decompression becomes largely insensitive to the detailed conditions because of efficient fission recycling, producing a composition that closely follows the solar r-abundance distribution for nuclei with mass numbers A > 140. Estimating the light curve powered by the radioactive decay heating of r-process nuclei with an approximative model, we expect high emission in the B-V-R bands for 1-2 days with potentially observable longer duration in the case of asymmetric mergers because of the larger ejecta mass.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

Standard Big-Bang Nucleosynthesis up to CNO with an improved extended nuclear network

Primordial or Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) is one of the three strong evidences for the Big- Bang model together with the expansion of the Universe and the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. In this study, we improve the standard BBN calculations taking into account new nuclear physics analyses and we enlarge the nuclear network until Sodium. This is, in particular, important to evaluate the primitive value of CNO mass fraction that could affect Population III stellar evolution. For the first time we list the complete network of more than 400 reactions with references to the origin of the rates, including \approx 270 reaction rates calculated using the TALYS code. Together with the cosmological light elements, we calculate the primordial Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen nuclei. We performed a sensitivity study to identify the important reactions for CNO, 9Be and Boron nucleosynthesis. We reevaluated those important reaction rates using experimental data and/or theoretical evaluations. The results are compared with precedent calculations: a primordial Beryllium abundance increase by a factor of 4 compared to its previous evaluation, but we note a stability for B/H and for the CNO/H abundance ratio that remains close to its previous value of 0.7 \times 10-15. On the other hand, the extension of the nuclear network has not changed the 7Li value, so its abundance is still 3-4 times greater than its observed spectroscopic value.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

Spectrum Synthesis Modeling of the X-ray Spectrum of GRO J1655-40 Taken During the 2005 Outburst

The spectrum from the black hole X-ray transient GRO J1655-40. obtained using the $Chandra$ High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) in 2005 is notable as a laboratory for the study of warm absorbers, and for the presence of many lines from odd-$Z$ elements between Na and Co (and Ti and Cr) not previously observed in X-rays. We present synthetic spectral models which can be used to constrain these element abundances and other parameters describing the outflow from the warm absorber in this object. We present results of fitting to the spectrum using various tools and techniques, including automated line fitting, phenomenological models, and photoionization modeling. We show that the behavior of the curves of growth of lines from H-like and Li-like ions indicate that the lines are either saturated or affected by filling-in from scattered or a partially covered continuum source. We confirm the conclusion of previous work by \cite{Mill06} and \cite{Mill08} which shows that the ionization conditions are not consistent with wind driving due to thermal expansion. The spectrum provides the opportunity to measure abundances for several elements not typically observable in the X-ray band. These show a pattern of enhancement for iron peak elements, and solar or sub-solar values for elements lighter than calcium. Models show that this is consistent with enrichment by a core-collapse supernova. We discuss the implications these values for the evolutionary history of this system.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2006

Interplay between diffusion, accretion and nuclear reactions in the atmospheres of Sirius and Przybylski's star

The abundance anomalies in chemically peculiar B-F stars are usually explained by diffusion of chemical elements in the stable atmospheres of these stars. But it is well known that Cp stars with similar temperatures and gravities show very different chemical compositions. We show that the abundance patterns of several stars can be influenced by accretion and (or) nuclear reactions in stellar atmospheres. We report the result of determination of abundances of elements in the atmosphere of hot Am star: Sirius A and show that Sirius A was contaminated by s-process enriched matter from Sirius B (now a white dwarf). The second case is Przybylski's star. The abundance pattern of this star is the second most studied one after the Sun with the abundances determined for about 60 chemical elements. Spectral lines of radioactive elements with short decay times were found in the spectrum of this star. We report the results of investigation on the stratification of chemical elements in the atmosphere of Przybylski's star and the new identification of lines corresponding to short lived actinides in its spectrum. Possible explanations of the abundances pattern of Przybylski's star (as well as HR465 and HD965) can be the natural radioactive decay of thorium, and uranium, the explosion of a companion as a Supernova or nucleosynthesis events at stellar surface.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

V453 Oph: a s-process enriched, but carbon-deficient RV Tauri star of low intrinsic metallicity

This paper reports the detection of a heavy element enriched RV Tauri variable with an abundance pattern that differs significantly from a standard s-process enriched object: V453 Oph. Based on optical high-resolution spectra, we determined that this object of low intrinsic metallicity ([Fe/H] = -2.2) has a mild, but significant, enrichment ([s/Fe] ~ +0.5) of heavy elements for which the distribution points to slow neutron capture nucleosynthesis. This result is strengthened by a comparative analysis to the non-enriched RV Tauri star DS Aqr ([s/Fe] = 0.0). Although V453 Oph is the first RV Tauri star showing a strong s-process signature, it is NOT accompanied by C enhancement, challenging our current nucleosynthetic models of post-AGB stars that predict a simultaneous enrichment in C and s-process elements. The low N abundance excludes CN cycling as being responsible for the low C abundance. We explore three different scenarios to explain the heavy element distribution in this evolved object: an enrichment of the parental cloud, an accretion scenario in which the chemical patterns were acquired by mass transfer in a binary system and an intrinsic enrichment by dredge-up.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

How to reconcile the C and s-process abundances in the metal-poor star V453 Oph ?

In this poster we present a detailed chemical analysis of the RV Tauri star of low intrinsic metallicity, V453 Oph ([Fe/H]=-2.2), which shows a mild but clear s-process surface overabundance. This result is strengthened by a relative analysis to the RV Tauri star DS Aqr of similar metal deficiency ([Fe/H]=-1.6), but without such s-process enrichment. A remarkable result is that the s-process enrichment of V453 Oph is not accompanied by a measurable C enhancement. To explain the surface abundances observed in V453 Oph, two nucleosynthesis models are considered. The first model assumes the partial mixing of protons during the radiative interpulse phase while the second scenario is based on the possible production of s-process elements within the flash-driven convective pulse only. Both models can give a satisfactory explanation for the s-process enrichment of V453 Oph, but not the simultaneous low C-abundance observed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Thorium-rich halo star HD221170: further evidence against the universality of the r-process

We report the abundance determination in the atmosphere of the bright halo star HD221170. The spectra were taken with the Terskol Observatory's 2.0-m telescope with a resolution R=45000 and signal-to-noise ratio up to 250 in the wavelength region 3638-10275 Å. The adopted atmospheric parameters correspond to an effective temperature \Tef=4475 K, a surface gravity \lgg=1.0, a microturbulent velocity \vmi=1.7 \kms, and a macroturbulent velocity \vma=4 \kms. The abundances of 43 chemical elements were determined with the method of spectrum synthesis. The large overabundances (by 1 dex relative to iron) of elements with Z$>38$ are shown to follow the same pattern as the solar r-abundances. The present HD221170 analysis confirms the non-universality of the r-process, or more exactly the observation that the astrophysical sites hosting the r-process do not always lead to a unique relative abundance distribution for the bulk Ba to Hg elements, the Pb-peak elements, and the actinides.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The r-Process in Supernovae: Impact of New Microscopic Mass Formulas

The astrophysical origin of $r$-process nuclei remains a long-standing mystery. Although some astrophysical scenarios show some promise, many uncertainties involved in both the astrophysical conditions and in the nuclear properties far from the $β$-stability have inhibited us from understanding the nature of the $r$-process. The purpose of the present paper is to examine the effects of the newly-derived microscopic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) mass formulas on the $r$-process nucleosynthesis and analyse to what extent a solar-like $r$-abundance distribution can be obtained. The $r$-process calculations with the HFB-2 mass formula are performed, adopting the parametrized model of the prompt explosion from a collapsing O-Ne-Mg core for the physical conditions and compared with the results obtained with the HFB-7 and droplet-type mass formulas. Due to its weak shell effect at the neutron magic numbers in the neutron-rich region, the microscopic mass formulas (HFB-2 and HFB-7) give rise to a spread of the abundance distribution in the vicinity of the $r$-process peaks ($A = 130$ and 195). While this effect resolves the large underproduction at $A \approx 115$ and 140 obtained with droplet-type mass formulas, large deviations compared to the solar pattern are found near the third $r$-process peak. It is shown that a solar-like $r$-process pattern can be obtained if the dynamical timescales of the outgoing mass trajectories are increased by a factor of about 2-3, or if the $β$-decay rates are systematically increased by the same factor.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Pre-suprenova evolution of rotating massive stars

The Geneva evolutionary code has been modified to study the advanced stages (Ne, O, Si burnings) of rotating massive stars. Here we present the results of four 20 solar mass stars at solar metallicity with initial rotational velocities of 0, 100, 200 and 300 km/s in order to show the crucial role of rotation in stellar evolution. As already known, rotation increases mass loss and core masses (Meynet and Maeder 2000). A fast rotating 20 solar mass star has the same central evolution as a non-rotating 26 solar mass star. Rotation also increases strongly net total metal yields. Furthermore, rotation changes the SN type so that more SNIb are predicted (see Meynet and Maeder 2003 and N. Prantzos and S. Boissier 2003). Finally, SN1987A-like supernovae progenitor colour can be explained in a single rotating star scenario.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

He-detonation in sub-Chandrasekhar CO white dwarfs: a new insight into energetics and p-process nucleosynthesis

He-accreting white dwarfs with sub-Chandrasekhar mass are revisited. The impact of the use of an extended reaction network on the predicted energy production and characteristics of the detonating layers is studied. It is shown that the considered scenario can be the site of an $α$p-process combined with a p-process and with a variant of the rp-process we refer to as the pn-process. We define the conditions under which the derived distribution of the abundances of the p-nuclides in the ejecta, including the puzzling light Mo and Ru isotopes, mimics the solar-system one.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Nucleosynthesis of s-elements in zero-metal AGB stars

Contrary to previous expectations, recent evolutionary models of zero-metallicity stars show that the development of mixing episodes at the beginning of the AGB phase allows low- and intermediate-mass stars to experience thermal pulses. If these stars, like their metal-rich counterparts, also experience partial mixing of protons from the H-rich envelope into the C-rich layers at the time of the third dredge-up, an extensive neutron capture nucleosynthesis leads to the production of s-process nuclei up to Pb and Bi. Nucleosynthesis calculations based on stellar AGB models are performed assuming a parameterized H-abundance profile below the convective envelope at the time of the third dredge-up. Despite the absence of Fe-group elements, the large neutron flux resulting from the 13C(alpha,n)16O reaction leads to an efficient production of s-process elements starting from the neutron captures on the C-Ne isotopes. Provided partial mixing of protons takes place, it is shown that population III AGB stars should be enriched in s-process elementsand overall in Pb and Bi.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1997

The survival of 205Pb in intermediate-mass AGB stars

The now extinct 205Pb is a pure s-process radionuclide (t_{1/2} = 1.5x10^7 y) of possible substantial cosmochemical interest. As a necessary complement to the detailed theoretical study of the nuclear physics and astrophysics aspects of the 205Pb - 205Tl pair carried out by Yokoi et al. (1985), and to the recent calculation of the 205Pb production in Wolf-Rayet stars by Arnould et al. (1997), this paper addresses for the first time in some detail the question of the survival of this radionuclide in thermally pulsing AGB stars. This problem is made difficult by the high sensitivity to temperature and density of the rates of the weak interaction processes that are able to produce or destroy 205Pb. In view of this sensitivity, a recourse to detailed stellar models is mandatory. With the help of some simplifying assumptions concerning in particular the third dredge-up characteristics, some of which (like its depth) being considered as free parameters, predictions are made for the 205Pb contamination of the stellar surface at the end of a pulse-interpulse cycle following a series of a dozen of pulses in three different intermediate-mass stars (M=3M_sun,Z=0.02; M=6M_sun,Z=0.02; M=3M_sun,Z=0.001). It is concluded that the chances for a significant 205Pb surface enrichment are likely to increase with M for a given Z, or to increase with decreasing Z for a given M. More specifically, following the considered pulses at least, the enrichment appears to be rather unlikely in the 3M_sun star with Z=0.02, while it seems to be much more probable in the other two considered stars. It is also speculated that the (3M_sun,Z=0.02) star could possibly experience some 205Pb enrichment following later pulses than the ones considered in this paper.

astro-ph↗