Constraints on element mixing in classical novae

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (45) References (33) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Constraints on Element Mixing in Classical Novae Fujimoto, Masayuki ; Iben, Icko, Jr. Abstract On the basis of the current knowledge of hydrogen shell flashes, a model which predicts the chemical abundances in the ejected envelopes in classical novae as a function of the degree of element mixing assumed prior to outburst is formulated. It is demonstrated that the model can be used as a tool for inquiring into the degree of mixing and into the properties of hydrogen shell flashes leading to nova explosion. In this model, the abundances in the ejected envelope are characterized by two parameters which measure the degree of element mixing and the mass of hydrogen-rich material accreted between outbursts relative to the mass of the remnant helium zone. It is concluded that the accreted mass varies very greatly among the observed novae. The novae appear to fall into two distinct groups: one for which the mass of the hydrogen-rich envelope accreted prior to outburst is as large as that expected for accretion rates less than about 2 x 10 exp -10 solar mass/yr, and one for which the envelope mass is as small as that expected for accretion rates of 10 exp -9 to 1- exp -8 solar mass/yr. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1992 DOI: 10.1086/171956 Bibcode: 1992ApJ...399..646F Keywords: Cataclysmic Variables; Novae; Nuclear Fusion; Stellar Mass Ejection; Abundance; Stellar Luminosity; White Dwarf Stars; Astrophysics; STARS: NOVAE; CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES; NUCLEAR REACTIONS; NUCLEOSYNTHESIS; ABUNDANCES; STARS: INTERIORS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (11)