The thermal runaway r-process

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (30) References (12) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The thermal runaway r-process Cowan, J. J. ; Cameron, A. G. W. ; Truran, J. W. Abstract One or more processes of the type of the rapid neutron capture process (r-process) have been responsible for synthesizing the neutron-rich heavy nuclei. It has been assumed that the r-process must be associated in some way with supernova explosions. However, recent work has suggested that a nonsupernova site should also be considered as a possibility for an r-process. The results of the present investigation demonstrate the possibility that an r-process can occur as a result of a thermal runaway process in a degenerate helium gas, with C-13 providing both the energy and the neutron source. It is found that the general character of the r-process abundance distribution can be reproduced, starting with a solar system abundance distribution of the heavy elements, if a series of localized flashes takes place in the helium region, with mixing throughout the region between flashes, or in a single flash if the neutron source is sufficiently strong. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: January 1982 DOI: 10.1086/159562 Bibcode: 1982ApJ...252..348C Keywords: Helium; Neutron Sources; Nuclear Fusion; Particle Production; Stellar Evolution; Thermal Neutrons; Abundance; Heavy Elements; Photodissociation; Radioactive Decay; Supernovae; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |