Stellar Winds and Spindown in Solar Type Stars

Abstract

The angular momentum loss produced by stellar winds is reviewed and a simple model of angular momentum loss with multipole fields is presented in which the field is potential when the flow speed is less than the Alfvén speed, and radial when greater than the Alfvén speed. The simpler the magnetic geometry, the larger is the angular momentum loss rate. This result is used to explain the rotational discontinuity across the Vaughan-Preston gap as being due to a sudden increase in angular momentum loss when the dynamo field switches from a quadropole to a dipole geometry.The evolution of the internal rotation of stars as a result of surface angular momentum loss is considered. In the absence of a magnetic field, differential rotation can drive instabilities which then transport angular momentum out from the interior down the angular velocity gradient. Other instabilities such as that caused by the build up of 3He can also transport angular momentum outwards. If angular momentum is transported by such weak turbulence, it also makes the star more homogeneous than standard evolutionary models and lowers the predicted value of the solar neutrino flux.The recent results on rotational splitting of solar oscillations are considered: these suggest that the inside of the sun is spinning faster than the surface and are compatible with models in which angular momentum is transported by mild turbulence. But data is scarce — and in such circumstances the speculations of the theorist must be viewed with caution!