scholarly journals Dynamics, temperature, chemistry, and dust: Ingredients for a self-consistent AGB wind

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S343) ◽  
pp. 129-133
Author(s):  
J. Boulangier ◽  
D. Gobrecht ◽  
L. Decin

AbstractUnderstanding Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars is important as they play a vital role in the chemical life cycle of galaxies. AGB stars are in a phase of their life time where they have almost ran out of fuel and are losing vast amounts of material to their surroundings, via stellar winds. As this is an evolutionary phase of low mass stars, almost all stars go through this phase making them one of the main contributors to the chemical enrichment of galaxies. It is therefore important to understand what kind of material is being lost by these stars, and how much and how fast. This work summarises the steps we have taken towards developing a self-consistent AGB wind model. We improve on current models by firstly coupling chemical and hydrodynamical evolution, and secondly by upgrading the nucleation theory framework to investigate the creation of TiO2, SiO, MgO, and Al2O3 clusters.

2019 ◽  
Vol 489 (4) ◽  
pp. 4890-4911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jels Boulangier ◽  
D Gobrecht ◽  
L Decin ◽  
A de Koter ◽  
J Yates

ABSTRACT Unravelling the composition and characteristics of gas and dust lost by asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is important as these stars play a vital role in the chemical life cycle of galaxies. The general hypothesis of their mass-loss mechanism is a combination of stellar pulsations and radiative pressure on dust grains. However, current models simplify dust formation, which starts as a microscopic phase transition called nucleation. Various nucleation theories exist, yet all assume chemical equilibrium, growth restricted by monomers, and commonly use macroscopic properties for a microscopic process. Such simplifications for initial dust formation can have large repercussions on the type, amount, and formation time of dust. By abandoning equilibrium assumptions, discarding growth restrictions, and using quantum mechanical properties, we have constructed and investigated an improved nucleation theory in AGB wind conditions for four dust candidates, TiO2, MgO, SiO, and Al2O3. This paper reports the viability of these candidates as first dust precursors and reveals implications of simplified nucleation theories. Monomer restricted growth underpredicts large clusters at low temperatures and overpredicts formation times. Assuming the candidates are present, Al2O3 is the favoured precursor due to its rapid growth at the highest considered temperatures. However, when considering an initially atomic chemical mixture, only TiO2-clusters form. Still, we believe Al2O3 to be the prime candidate due to substantial physical evidence in presolar grains, observations of dust around AGB stars at high temperatures, and its ability to form at high temperatures and expect the missing link to be insufficient quantitative data of Al-reactions.


Universe ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Ambra Nanni ◽  
Sergio Cristallo ◽  
Jacco Th. van Loon ◽  
Martin A. T. Groenewegen

Background: Most of the stars in the Universe will end their evolution by losing their envelope during the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) phase, enriching the interstellar medium of galaxies with heavy elements, partially condensed into dust grains formed in their extended circumstellar envelopes. Among these stars, carbon-rich TP-AGB stars (C-stars) are particularly relevant for the chemical enrichment of galaxies. We here investigated the role of the metallicity in the dust formation process from a theoretical viewpoint. Methods: We coupled an up-to-date description of dust growth and dust-driven wind, which included the time-averaged effect of shocks, with FRUITY stellar evolutionary tracks. We compared our predictions with observations of C-stars in our Galaxy, in the Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC) and in the Galactic Halo, characterised by metallicity between solar and 1/10 of solar. Results: Our models explained the variation of the gas and dust content around C-stars derived from the IRS Spitzer spectra. The wind speed of the C-stars at varying metallicity was well reproduced by our description. We predicted the wind speed at metallicity down to 1/10 of solar in a wide range of mass-loss rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. A84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Á. Skúladóttir ◽  
C. J. Hansen ◽  
A. Choplin ◽  
S. Salvadori ◽  
M. Hampel ◽  
...  

The slow (s) and intermediate (i) neutron (n) capture processes occur both in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, and in massive stars. To study the build-up of the s- and i-products at low metallicity, we investigate the abundances of Y, Ba, La, Nd, and Eu in 98 stars, at −2.4 <  [Fe/H] <  −0.9, in the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The chemical enrichment from AGB stars becomes apparent at [Fe/H] ≈ −2 in Sculptor, and causes [Y/Ba], [La/Ba], [Nd/Ba] and [Eu/Ba] to decrease with metallicity, reaching subsolar values at the highest [Fe/H] ≈ −1. To investigate individual nucleosynthetic sites, we compared three n-rich Sculptor stars with theoretical yields. One carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP-no) star with high [Sr, Y, Zr] >  +0.7 is best fit with a model of a rapidly-rotating massive star, the second (likely CH star) with the i-process, while the third has no satisfactory fit. For a more general understanding of the build-up of the heavy elements, we calculate for the first time the cumulative contribution of the s- and i-processes to the chemical enrichment in Sculptor, and compare with theoretical predictions. By correcting for the r-process, we derive [Y/Ba]s/i = −0.85 ± 0.16, [La/Ba]s/i = −0.49 ± 0.17, and [Nd/Ba]s/i = −0.48 ± 0.12, in the overall s- and/or i-process in Sculptor. These abundance ratios are within the range of those of CEMP stars in the Milky Way, which have either s- or i-process signatures. The low [Y/Ba]s/i and [La/Ba]s/i that we measure in Sculptor are inconsistent with them arising from the s-process only, but are more compatible with models of the i-process. Thus we conclude that both the s- and i-processes were important for the build-up of n-capture elements in the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S343) ◽  
pp. 247-257
Author(s):  
Chiaki Kobayashi ◽  
Christopher J. Haynes ◽  
Fiorenzo Vincenzo

AbstractThe role of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in chemical enrichment is significant for producing 12,13C, 14N, F, 25,26Mg, 17O and slow neutron-capture process (s-process) elements. The contribution from super-AGB stars is negligible in classical, one-zone chemical evolution models, but the mass ranges can be constrained through the contribution from electron-capture supernovae and possibly hybrid C+O+Ne white dwarfs, if they explode as Type Iax supernovae. In addition to the recent s-process yields of AGB stars, we include various sites for rapid neutron-capture processes (r-processes) in our chemodynamical simulations of a Milky Way type galaxy. We find that neither electron-capture supernovae or neutrino-driven winds are able to adequately produce heavy neutron-capture elements such as Eu in quantities to match observations. Both neutron-star mergers (NSMs) and magneto-rotational supernovae (MRSNe) are able to produce these elements in sufficient quantities. Using the distribution in [Eu/(Fe, α)] – [Fe/H], we predict that NSMs alone are unable to explain the observed Eu abundances, but may be able to together with MRSNe. In order to discuss the role of long-lifetime sources such as NSMs and AGB stars at the early stages of galaxy formation, it is necessary to use a model that can treat inhomogeneous chemical enrichment, such as in our chemodynamical simulations. In our cosmological, chemodynamical simulations, we succeed in reproducing the observed N/O-O/H relations both for global properties of galaxies and for local inter-stellar medium within galaxies, without rotation of stars. We also predict the evolution of CNO abundances of disk galaxies, from which it will be possible to constrain the star formation histories.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S350) ◽  
pp. 245-248
Author(s):  
David Gobrecht ◽  
John M.C. Plane ◽  
Stefan T. Bromley ◽  
Leen Decin ◽  
Sergio Cristallo

AbstractAsymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars contribute a major part to the global dust budget in galaxies. Owing to their refractory nature alumina (stoichiometric formula AlO) is a promising candidate to be the first condensate emerging in the atmospheres of oxygen-rich AGB stars. Strong evidence for that is supplied by the presence of alumina in pristine meteorites and a broad spectral feature observed around ∼ 13 μm. The emergence of a specific condensate depends on the thermal stability of the solid, the gas density and its composition. The evaluation of the condensates is based on macroscopic bulk properties. The growth and size distribution of dust grains is commonly described by Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT). We question the applicability of CNT in an expanding circumstellar envelope as CNT presumes thermodynamic equilibrium and requires, in practise, seed nuclei on which material can condense. However, nano-sized molecular clusters differ significantly from bulk analogues. Quantum effects of the clusters lead to non-crystalline structures, whose characteristics (energy, geometry) differ substantially, compared to the bulk material. Hence, a kinetic quantum-chemical treatment involving various transition states describes dust nucleation most accurately. However, such a treatment is prohibitive for systems with more than 10 atoms. We discuss the viability of chemical-kinetic routes towards the formation of the monomer (Al2O3) and the dimer (Al4O6) of alumina.


2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 557-557
Author(s):  
Mikako Matsuura

Molecules and dust are formed in and around the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and supernovae (SNe), and are ejected into the interstellar medium (ISM) through the stellar wind. The dust and gas contain elements newly synthesised in stars, thus, dying stars play an important role in the chemical enrichment of the ISM of galaxies. However, quantitative analysis of molecules and dust in these stars had been difficult beyond our Galaxy. The high sensitivity instruments on-board the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST; Werner et al. 2004) have enabled us to study dust and molecules in these stars in nearby galaxies. Nearby galaxies have a wide range in metallicity, thus the impact of the metallicity on dust and gas production can be studied. This study will be useful for chemical evolution of galaxies from low to high metallicity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Meenakshi Purandardas ◽  
Aruna Goswami

Abstract The origin of enhanced abundance of heavy elements observed in the surface chemical composition of carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars still remains poorly understood. Here, we present detailed abundance analysis of seven CEMP stars based on high-resolution (R ∼ 50,000) spectra that reveal enough evidence of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars being possible progenitors for these objects. For the objects HE 0110−0406, HE 1425−2052, and HE 1428−1950, we present for the first time a detailed abundance analysis. Our sample is found to consist of one metal-poor ([Fe/H] < −1.0) and six very metal-poor ([Fe/H] < −2.0) stars with enhanced carbon and neutron-capture elements. We have critically analyzed the observed abundance ratios of [O/Fe], [Sr/Ba], and [hs/ls] and examined the possibility of AGB stars being possible progenitors. The abundance of oxygen estimated in the program stars is characteristic of AGB progenitors except for HE 1429−0551 and HE 1447+0102. The estimated values of [Sr/Ba] and [hs/ls] ratios also support AGB stars as possible progenitors. The locations of the program stars in the absolute carbon abundance A(C) versus [Fe/H] diagram, along with the Group I objects, hint at the binary nature of the object. We have studied the chemical enrichment histories of the program stars based on abundance ratios [Mg/C], [Sc/Mn], and [C/Cr]. Using [C/N] and 12C/13C ratios, we have examined whether any internal mixing had modified their surface chemical compositions. Kinematic analysis shows that the objects HE 0110−0406 and HE 1447+0102 are thick-disk objects and the remaining five objects belong to the halo population of the Galaxy.


Author(s):  
S. Palmerini ◽  
S. Cristallo ◽  
M. Busso ◽  
M. La Cognata ◽  
M. L. Sergi ◽  
...  

Among presolar grains, oxide ones are made of oxygen, aluminum, and a small fraction of magnesium, produced by the 26Al decay. The largest part of presolar oxide grains belong to the so-called group 1 and 2, which have been suggested to form in Red Giant Branch (RGB) and Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, respectively. However, standard stellar nucleosynthesis models cannot account for the 17O/16O, 18O/16O, and 26Al/27Al values recorded in those grains. Hence, for more than 20 years, the occurrence of mixing phenomena coupled with stellar nucleosynthesis have been suggested to account for this peculiar isotopic mix. Nowadays, models of massive AGB stars experiencing Hot Bottom Burning or low mass AGB stars where Cool Bottom Process, or another kind of extra-mixing, is at play, nicely fit the oxygen isotopic mix of group 2 oxide grains. The largest values of the 26Al/27Al ratio seem somewhat more difficult to account for.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S323) ◽  
pp. 165-168
Author(s):  
Flavia Dell’Agli

AbstractAsymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are among the most important gas and dust polluters of the Universe. The latest AGB evolutionary models take into account dust production in the circumstellar envelope of these stars, starting from a detailed computation of the main physical processes and chemical surface variations occurring in this evolutionary phase. Following the formation and growth of dust particles, they provide the unique possibility of interpreting the AGB population observed in resolved galaxies. The first application was for the Spitzer observations of dusty AGBs in the Magellanic Clouds, characterising carbon-rich and oxygen-rich stars in terms of initial mass, epoch of star formation, evolutionary time on the AGB and dust contribution. The same set of models are able to interpret the CNO surface abundances observed for the PNe of the same galaxies.


2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S283) ◽  
pp. 83-86
Author(s):  
Arturo Manchado ◽  
D. Anibal García-Hernández ◽  
Eva Villaver ◽  
Jean Guironnet de Massas

AbstractWe present a complete study of the morphology of post-Asymptotic Giant Branch (post-AGB) stars. The post-AGB stage is a very short evolutionary phase between the end of the AGB and the beginning of the Planetary Nebula (PN) stage (between 100 and 10,000 yrs). Post-AGB stars do not show variability and are not hot enough to fully ionize the hydrogen envelope. We have defined the end of the post-AGB phase and the beginning of the PN phase when the star has a temperature of 30000 K. Post-AGB stars have a circumstellar shell that is illuminated by the central stars or partially ionized. However, this circumstellar shell is too small to be resolved by ground-based observations. Thus, we have used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) database to resolve these shells. 117 post-AGBs were found in this database. Here we present the preliminary results on their morphological classification and the correlation with the galactic latitude. Our preliminary results show that 38% of the sample are stellar-like (S), 31% bipolar (B), 12% multipolar (M) and 19% elliptical (E).


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