Theory of winds from cool stars

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide a framework for thinking about the various physical processes that may play significant roles in driving the massive winds of cool, low-gravity stars. First, some general theoretical considerations involving mass, momentum, and energy balance are discussed. Next, the value of the solar wind as an analog for these late-type stellar winds and for related astrophysical flows is briefly examined. Finally, four specific mass-loss mechanisms are discussed, and the possible importance of each of these mechanisms for massive winds from cool, low-gravity stars is evaluated.