Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars: Thermal Pulses, Carbon Production, and Dredge Up; Neutron Sources and s-Process Nucleosynthesis

Abstract

A brief review is given of the structure of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and of the characteristics of the thermal pulses which these stars experience. Following a pulse, model AGB stars with a large core mass easily dredge up fresh carbon, which is the main product of incomplete helium burning, and s-process isotopes, which are made as a consequence of the activation of the 22Ne neutron source. Model AGB stars of small core mass activate the 13C neutron source and produce s-process isotopes in nearly the solar system distribution. They also dredge up fresh carbon and s-process isotopes, but only if overshoot or some other form of “extra” mixing beyond the lower boundary of the convective envelope is invoked.