Asymptotic Giant Branch Models Research Articles

Understanding Galactic planetary nebulae with precise/reliable nebular abundances

AbstractWe compare recent precise/reliable nebular abundances - as derived from high-quality optical spectra and the most recent ICFs - in a sample of Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) with nucleosynthesis predictions (HeCNOCl) from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) ATON models in the metallicity range Z⊙/4 < Z < 2Z⊙. According to the infrared dust features, the sample is divided among carbon-, oxygen-, and double-dust chemistry (CC, OC, and DC, respectively), providing an independent proxy for the nature of the PNe progenitors. Our AGB models, with diffusive overshooting from all the convective borders, nicely reproduce the O overabundances observed in CC PNe, indicating that they evolve from low-Z low-mass (∼1 −3 M⊙) AGB stars. This indicates that O is not always a good indicator of the original ISM metallicity and that the O production by low-mass stars should be considered in galactic-evolution models. The lowest metallicity OC PNe evolve from low-mass (∼1 M⊙) O-rich AGBs, while the higher metallicity ones (all with uncertain dust classifications) display a chemical pattern similar to the DC PNe. In agreement with the recent literature, the DC PNe mostly descend from high-mass (M > 3.5 M⊙) solar/supersolar metallicity AGBs that experience hot bottom burning (HBB), but other formation channels in low-mass AGBs like extra mixing, stellar rotation, binary interaction, or He pre-enrichment cannot be disregarded until more accurate C/O ratios can be obtained. Two DC PNe show the imprint of advanced CNO processing and deep second dredge-up, suggesting progenitors masses close to the limit to evolve as core collapse supernovae (above 6 M⊙). Their actual C/O ratios, if confirmed, indicate contamination from the third dredge-up, rejecting the hypothesis that the chemical composition of such high-metallicity massive AGBs is modified exclusively by HBB.

Studying the evolution of AGB stars in theGaiaepoch

We present asymptotic giant branch (AGB) models of solar metallicity, to allow the interpretation of observations of Galactic AGB stars, whose distances should be soon available after the first release of the Gaia catalogue. We find an abrupt change in the AGB physical and chemical properties, occurring at the threshold mass to ignite hot bottom burning,i.e. $3.5M_{\odot}$. Stars with mass below $3.5 M_{\odot}$ reach the C-star stage and eject into the interstellar medium gas enriched in carbon , nitrogen and $^{17}O$. The higher mass counterparts evolve at large luminosities, between $3\times 10^4 L_{\odot}$ and $10^5 L_{\odot}$. The mass expelled from the massive AGB stars shows the imprinting of proton-capture nucleosynthesis, with considerable production of nitrogen and sodium and destruction of $^{12}C$ and $^{18}O$. The comparison with the most recent results from other research groups are discussed, to evaluate the robustness of the present findings. Finally, we compare the models with recent observations of galactic AGB stars, outlining the possibility offered by Gaia to shed new light on the evolution properties of this class of objects.

S-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars with the full spectrum of turbulence scheme for convection.

The chemical evolution of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars models depends greatly on the input physics (e.g. convective model, mass loss recipe). Variations of hot bottom burning (HBB) strength, or third dredge-up (TDU) efficiency are among the main consequences of adopting different input physics in the AGB models. The ATON evolutionary code stands apart from others in that it uses the Full Spectrum of Turbulence convective model. Here we present the first results of a newly developed s-process nucleosynthesis module for ATON AGB models. Our results are compared also with observations and theoretical predictions of present AGB nucleosynthesis models using different input physics.

STELLAR YIELDS FROM METAL-RICH ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH MODELS

ABSTRACT We present new theoretical stellar yields and surface abundances for three grids of metal-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) models. Post-processing nucleosynthesis results are presented for stellar models with initial masses between 1 M ☉ and 7.5 M ☉ for Z = 0.007, and 1 M ☉ and 8 M ☉ for Z = 0.014 (solar) and Z = 0.03. We include stellar surface abundances as a function of thermal pulse on the AGB for elements from C to Bi and for a selection of isotopic ratios for elements up to Fe and Ni (e.g., / ), which can be obtained from observations of molecules in stars and from the laboratory analysis of meteoritic stardust grains. Ratios of elemental abundances of He/H, C/O, and N/O are also included, which are useful for direct comparison to observations of AGB stars and their progeny, including planetary nebulae. The integrated elemental stellar yields are presented for each model in the grid for hydrogen, helium, and all stable elements from C to Bi. Yields of Li are also included for intermediate-mass models with hot bottom burning. We present the first slow neutron-capture (s-process) yields for super solar metallicity AGB stars with Z = 0.03, and the first complete s-process yields for models more massive than 6 M ☉ at all three metallicities.

Galactic planetary nebulae with precise nebular abundances as a tool to understand the evolution of asymptotic giant branch stars

We present nucleosynthesis predictions (HeCNOCl) from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) models, with diffusive overshooting from all the convective borders, in the metallicity range Z/4 < Z < 2Zsun. They are compared to recent precise nebular abundances in a sample of Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) that is divided among double-dust chemistry (DC) and oxygen-dust chemistry (OC) according to the infrared dust features. Unlike the similar subsample of Galactic carbon-dust chemistry PNe recently analysed by us, here the individual abundance errors, the higher metallicity spread, and the uncertain dust types/subtypes in some PNe do not allow a clear determination of the AGB progenitor masses (and formation epochs) for both PNe samples; the comparison is thus more focussed on a object-by-object basis. The lowest metallicity OC PNe evolve from low-mass (~1 Msun) O-rich AGBs, while the higher metallicity ones (all with uncertain dust classifications) display a chemical pattern similar to the DC PNe. In agreement with recent literature, the DC PNe mostly descend from high-mass (M > 3.5 Msun) solar/supersolar metallicity AGBs that experience hot bottom burning (HBB), but other formation channels in low-mass AGBs like extra mixing, stellar rotation, binary interaction, or He pre-enrichment cannot be disregarded until more accurate C/O ratios would be obtained. Two objects among the DC PNe show the imprint of advanced CNO processing and deep second dredge-up, suggesting progenitors masses close to the limit to evolve as core collapse supernovae (above 6 Msun). Their actual C/O ratio, if confirmed, indicate contamination from the third dredge-up, rejecting the hypothesis that the chemical composition of such high-metallicity massive AGBs is modified exclusively by HBB.

Planetary nebulae in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We analyse the planetary nebulae (PNe) population of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), based on evolutionary models of stars with metallicities in the range $10^{-3} \leq Z \leq 4\times 10^{-3}$ and mass $0.9 M\odot < M < 8M\odot$, evolved through the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase. The models used account for dust formation in the circumstellar envelope. To characterise the PNe sample of the SMC, we compare the observed abundances of the various species with the final chemical composition of the AGB models: this study allows us to identify the progenitors of the PNe observed, in terms of mass and chemical composition. According to our interpretation, most of the PNe descend from low-mass ($M < 2 M\odot$) stars, which become carbon rich, after experiencing repeated third dredge-up episodes, during the AGB phase. A fraction of the PNe showing the signature of advanced CNO processing are interpreted as the progeny of massive AGB stars, with mass above $\sim 6 M\odot$, undergoing strong hot bottom burning. The differences with the chemical composition of the PNe population of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is explained on the basis of the diverse star formation history and age-metallicity relation of the two galaxies. The implications of the present study for some still highly debated points regarding the AGB evolution are also commented.

Is the semi‐regular variable RU Vulpeculae undergoing a helium‐shell flash?

AbstractThe semi‐regular variable star RU Vulpeculae (RU Vul) is being observed visually since 1935. Its pulsation period and amplitude are declining since ∼1954. A leading hypothesis to explain the period decrease in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars such as RU Vul is an ongoing flash of the He‐burning shell, also called a thermal pulse (TP), inside the star. In this paper, we present a CCD photometric light curve of RU Vul, derive its fundamental parameters, and test if the TP hypothesis can describe the observed period decline. We use CCD photometry to determine the present‐day pulsation period and amplitude in three photometric bands, and high‐resolution optical spectroscopy to derive the fundamental parameters. The period evolution of RU Vul is compared to predictions by evolutionary models of the AGB phase. We find that RU Vul is a metal‐poor star with a metallicity [M/H] = –1.59 ± 0.05 and an effective surface temperature of Teff = 3634 ± 20 K. The low metallicity of RU Vul and its kinematics indicate that it is an old, low‐mass member of the thick disc or the halo population. The present day pulsation period determined from our photometry is ∼108 d, the semiamplitude in the V ‐band is 0.39 ± 0.03 mag. The observed period decline is found to be well matched by an evolutionary AGB model with stellar parameters comparable to those of RU Vul. We conclude that the TP hypothesis is in good agreement with the observed period evolution of RU Vul. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Probing O-enrichment in C-rich dust planetary nebulae

Abstract The abundance of O in planetary nebulae (PNe) has been historically used as a metallicity indicator of the interstellar medium (ISM), where they originated; e.g. it has been widely used to study metallicity gradients in our Galaxy and beyond. However, clear observational evidence for O self-enrichment in low-metallicity Galactic PNe with C-rich dust has been recently reported. Here, we report asymptotic giant branch (AGB) nucleosynthesis predictions for the abundances of the CNO elements and helium in the metallicity range Z⊙/4 &amp;lt; Z &amp;lt; 2 Z⊙. Our AGB models, with diffusive overshooting from all the convective borders, predict that O is overproduced in low-Z low-mass (∼1–3 M⊙) AGB stars and nicely reproduce the recent O overabundances observed in C-rich dust PNe. This confirms that O is not always a good proxy of the original ISM metallicity and other chemical elements such as Cl or Ar should be used instead. The production of oxygen by low-mass stars should be thus considered in galactic-evolution models.

Modelling the cometary structure of the planetary nebula HFG1 based on the evolution of its binary central star V664 Cas

HFG1 is the first well observed planetary nebula (PN) which reveals a cometary-like structure. Its main morphological features consist of a bow shaped shell, which surrounds the central star, accompanied by a long collimated tail. In this study we perform two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations modeling the formation of HFG1 from the interaction of the local ambient medium with the mass outflows of its Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) progenitor star. We attribute the cometary appearance of HFG1 to the systemic motion of the PN with respect to the local ambient medium. Due to its vital importance, we re-estimate the distance of HFG1 by modeling the spectral energy distribution of its central star, V664 Cas, and we find a distance of $ 490 \pm 50$ pc. Our simulations show that none of our models with time invariant stellar wind and ambient medium properties are able to reproduce simultaneously the extended bow shock and the collimated tail observed in HFG1. Given this, we increase the complexity of our modeling considering that the stellar wind is time variable. The wind description is based on the predictions of the AGB and post-AGB evolution models. Testing a grid of models we find that the properties of HFG1 are best reproduced by the mass outflows of a 3 Msun AGB star. Such a scenario is consistent with the current observed properties of V664 Cas primary star, an O-type subdwarf, and bridges the evolutionary history of HFG1 central star with the observables of the PN. We discuss the implications of our study in the understanding of the evolution of AGB/post-AGB stars towards the formation of O-type subdwarfs surrounded by PNe.

A test for asymptotic giant branch evolution theories: planetary nebulae in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We used a new generation of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stellar models that include dust formation in the stellar winds to find the links between evolutionary models and the observed properties of a homogeneous sample of Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) planetary nebulae (PNe). Comparison between the evolutionary yields of elements such as CNO and the corresponding observed chemical abundances is a powerful tool to shed light on evolutionary processes such as hot bottom burning (HBB) and third dredge-up (TDU). We found that the occurrence of HBB is needed to interpret the nitrogen-enriched (log(N/H)+12>8) PNe. In particular, N-rich PNe with the lowest carbon content are nicely reproduced by AGB models of mass M >=6 Mo, whose surface chemistry reflects the pure effects of HBB. PNe with log(N/H)+12<7.5 correspond to ejecta of stars that have not experienced HBB, with initial mass below about 3 Mo. Some of these stars show very large carbon abundances, owing to the many TDU episodes experienced. We found from our LMC PN sample that there is a threshold to the amount of carbon accumulated at AGB surfaces, log(C/H)+12<9. Confirmation of this constraint would indicate that, after the C-star stage is reached,AGBs experience only a few thermal pulses, which suggests a rapid loss of the external mantle, probably owing to the effects of radiation pressure on carbonaceous dust particles present in the circumstellar envelope. The implications of these findings for AGB evolution theories and the need to extend the PN sample currently available are discussed.

Evolution and nucleosynthesis of helium-rich asymptotic giant branch models

There is now strong evidence that some stars have been born with He mass fractions as high as $Y \approx 0.40$ (e.g., in $\omega$ Centauri). However, the advanced evolution, chemical yields, and final fates of He-rich stars are largely unexplored. We investigate the consequences of He-enhancement on the evolution and nucleosynthesis of intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) models of 3, 4, 5, and 6 M$_\odot$ with a metallicity of $Z = 0.0006$ ([Fe/H] $\approx -1.4$). We compare models with He-enhanced compositions ($Y=0.30, 0.35, 0.40$) to those with primordial He ($Y=0.24$). We find that the minimum initial mass for C burning and super-AGB stars with CO(Ne) or ONe cores decreases from above our highest mass of 6 M$_\odot$ to $\sim$ 4-5 M$_\odot$ with $Y=0.40$. We also model the production of trans-Fe elements via the slow neutron-capture process (s-process). He-enhancement substantially reduces the third dredge-up efficiency and the stellar yields of s-process elements (e.g., 90% less Ba for 6 M$_\odot$, $Y=0.40$). An exception occurs for 3 M$_\odot$, where the near-doubling in the number of thermal pulses with $Y=0.40$ leads to $\sim$ 50% higher yields of Ba-peak elements and Pb if the $^{13}$C neutron source is included. However, the thinner intershell and increased temperatures at the base of the convective envelope with $Y=0.40$ probably inhibit the $^{13}$C neutron source at this mass. Future chemical evolution models with our yields might explain the evolution of s-process elements among He-rich stars in $\omega$ Centauri.

The Large Magellanic Cloud as a laboratory for hot bottom burning in massive asymptotic giant branch stars

We use Spitzer observations of the rich population of Asymptotic Giant Branch stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) to test models describing the internal structure and nucleosynthesis of the most massive of these stars, i.e. those with initial mass above $\sim 4M_{\odot}$. To this aim, we compare Spitzer observations of LMC stars with the theoretical tracks of Asymptotic Giant Branch models, calculated with two of the most popular evolution codes, that are known to differ in particular for the treatment of convection. Although the physical evolution of the two models are significantly different, the properties of dust formed in their winds are surprisingly similar, as is their position in the colour-colour (CCD) and colour-magnitude (CMD) diagrams obtained with the Spitzer bands. This model independent result allows us to select a well defined region in the ($[3.6]-[4.5], [5.8]-[8.0]$) plane, populated by AGB stars experiencing Hot Bottom Burning, the progeny of stars with mass $M\sim 5.5M_{\odot}$. This result opens up an important test of the strength hot bottom burning using detailed near-IR (H and K bands) spectroscopic analysis of the oxygen-rich, high luminosity candidates found in the well defined region of the colour-colour plane. This test is possible because the two stellar evolution codes we use predict very different results for the surface chemistry, and the C/O ratio in particular, owing to their treatment of convection in the envelope and of convective boundaries during third dredge-up. The differences in surface chemistry are most apparent when the model stars reach the phase with the largest infrared emission.

The branchings of the main s-process: their sensitivity to α-induced reactions on 13C and 22Ne and to the uncertainties of the nuclear network

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the main component of the slow neutron capture process (the s-process), which accounts for the solar abundances of half of the nuclei with 90 <~ A <~ 208. We examine the impact of the uncertainties of the two neutron sources operating in low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars: the 13C(alpha, n)16O reaction, which releases neutrons radiatively during interpulse periods (kT ~ 8 keV), and the 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg reaction, partially activated during the convective thermal pulses (TPs). We focus our attention on the branching points that mainly influence the abundance of s-only isotopes. In our AGB models, the 13C is fully consumed radiatively during interpulse. In this case, we find that the present uncertainty associated to the 13C(alpha, n)16O reaction has marginal effects on s-only nuclei. On the other hand, a reduction of this rate may increase the amount of residual (or unburned) 13C at the end of the interpulse: in this condition, the residual 13C is burned at higher temperature in the convective zone powered by the following TP. The neutron burst produced by the 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg reaction has major effects on the branches along the s path. The contributions of s-only isotopes with 90 <~ A <= 204 are reproduced within solar and nuclear uncertainties, even if the 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg rate is varied by a factor of two. Improved beta-decay and neutron capture rates of a few key radioactive nuclides would help to attain a comprehensive understanding of the solar main component.

EVOLUTION AND NUCLEOSYNTHESIS OF ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH STELLAR MODELS OF LOW METALLICITY

We present stellar evolutionary tracks and nucleosynthetic predictions for a grid of stellar models of low- and intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars at $Z=0.001$ ([Fe/H]$=-1.2$). The models cover an initial mass range from 1 M$_{\odot}$ to 7 M$_{\odot}$. Final surface abundances and stellar yields are calculated for all elements from hydrogen to bismuth as well as isotopes up to the iron group. We present the first study of neutron-capture nucleosynthesis in intermediate-mass AGB models, including a super-AGB model, of [Fe/H] = $-1.2$. We examine in detail a low-mass AGB model of 2 M$_{\odot}$ where the $^{13}$C($\alpha$,$n$)$^{16}$O reaction is the main source of neutrons. We also examine an intermediate-mass AGB model of 5 M$_{\odot}$ where intershell temperatures are high enough to activate the $^{22}$Ne neutron source, which produces high neutron densities up to $\sim 10^{14}$ n cm$^{-3}$. Hot bottom burning is activated in models with $M \geq 3$ M$_{\odot}$. With the 3 M$_{\odot}$ model we investigate the effect of varying the extent in mass of the region where protons are mixed from the envelope into the intershell at the deepest extent of each third dredge-up. We compare the results of the low-mass models to three post-AGB stars with a metallicity of [Fe/H] $\simeq -1.2$. The composition is a good match to the predicted neutron-capture abundances except for Pb and we confirm that the observed Pb abundances are lower than what is calculated by AGB models.

CARBON-ENHANCED METAL-POOR STARS IN SDSS/SEGUE. II. COMPARISON OF CEMP-STAR FREQUENCIES WITH BINARY POPULATION-SYNTHESIS MODELS

We present a comparison of the frequencies of carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) giant and main-sequence turnoff stars, selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and Exploration, with predictions from asymptotic giant-branch (AGB) mass-transfer models. We consider two initial mass functions (IMFs)-a Salpeter IMF, and a mass function with a characteristic mass of 10 solar mass. These comparisons indicate good agreement between the observed CEMP frequencies for stars with [Fe/H] > -1.5 and a Salpeter IMF, but not with an IMF having a higher characteristic mass. Thus, while the adopted AGB model works well for low-mass progenitor stars, it does not do so for high-mass progenitors. Our results imply that the IMF shifted from high- to low-mass dominated in the early history of the Milky Way, which appears to have occurred at a "chemical time" between [Fe/H] = -2.5 and [Fe/H] = -1.5. The corrected CEMP frequency for the turnoff stars with [Fe/H] < -3.0 is much higher than the AGB model prediction from the high-mass IMF, supporting the previous assertion that one or more additional mechanisms, not associated with AGB stars, are required for the production of carbon-rich material below [Fe/H] = -3.0. [abridged]

BARIUM ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF MAINSTREAM SILICON CARBIDES FROM MURCHISON: CONSTRAINTS FORs-PROCESS NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH STARS

We present barium, carbon, and silicon isotopic compositions of 38 acid-cleaned presolar SiC grains from Murchison. Comparison with previous data shows that acid washing is highly effective in removing barium contamination. Strong depletions in $\delta$($^{138}$Ba/$^{136}$Ba) values are found, down to $-$400 permil, which can only be modeled with a flatter $^{13}$C profile within the $^{13}$C pocket than is normally used. The dependence of $\delta$($^{138}$Ba/$^{136}$Ba) predictions on the distribution of $^{13}$C within the pocket in AGB models allows us to probe the $^{13}$C profile within the $^{13}$C pocket and the pocket mass in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. In addition, we provide constraints on the $^{22}$Ne$(\alpha,n)^{25}$Mg rate in the stellar temperature regime relevant to AGB stars, based on $\delta$($^{134}$Ba/$^{136}$Ba) values of mainstream grains. We found two nominally mainstream grains with strongly negative $\delta$($^{134}$Ba/$^{136}$Ba) values that cannot be explained by any of the current AGB model calculations. Instead, such negative values are consistent with the intermediate neutron capture process ($i$-process), which is activated by the Very Late Thermal Pulse (VLTP) during the post-AGB phase and characterized by a neutron density much higher than the $s$-process. These two grains may have condensed around post-AGB stars. Finally, we report abundances of two $p$-process isotopes, $^{130}$Ba and $^{132}$Ba, in single SiC grains. These isotopes are destroyed in the $s$-process in AGB stars. By comparing their abundances with respect to that of $^{135}$Ba, we conclude that there is no measurable decay of $^{135}$Cs ($t_{1/2}$= 2.3 Ma) to $^{135}$Ba in individual SiC grains, indicating condensation of barium, but not cesium into SiC grains before $^{135}$Cs decayed.

A new HCN maser in IRAS 15082−4808

We have identified a new vibrational HCN maser at 89.087 GHz in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IRAS 15082-4808, a maser which is thought to trace the innermost region of an AGB envelope. The observations of this maser at three epochs are presented: two positive detections and one null detection. The line profile has varied between the positive detections, as has the intensity of the maser. The major component of the maser is found to be offset by -2.0+/-0.9 km/s with respect to the systemic velocity of the envelope, as derived from the 88.631 GHz transition of HCN. Similar blueshifts are measured in the other 9 sources where this maser has been detected. Maser variability with pulsation phase has been investigated for the first time using the 10 stars now available. Comparisons with AGB model atmospheres constrain the position of the formation region of the maser to the region between the pulsation shocks and the onset of dust acceleration, between 2 and 4 stellar radii.

The lead discrepancy in intrinsicallys-process enriched post-AGB stars in the Magellanic Clouds

Context: Our understanding of the s-process nucleosynthesis in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is incomplete. AGB models predict, for example, large overabundances of lead (Pb) compared to other s-process elements in metal-poor low-mass AGB stars. This is indeed observed in some extrinsically enhanced metal-poor stars, but not in all. An extensive study of intrinsically s-process enriched objects is essential for improving our knowledge of the AGB third dredge-up and associated s-process nucleosynthesis. Aims: We compare the spectral abundance analysis of the SMC post-AGB star J004441.04-732136.4 with state-of-the-art AGB model predictions with a main focus on Pb. The low S/N in the Pb line region made the result of our previous study inconclusive. We acquired additional data covering the region of the strongest Pb line. Methods: By carefully complementing re-reduced previous data, with newly acquired UVES optical spectra, we improve the S/N of the spectrum around the strongest Pb line. Therefore, an upper limit for the Pb abundance is estimated from a merged weighted mean spectrum using synthetic spectral modeling. We then compare the abundance results from the combined spectra to predictions of tailored AGB evolutionary models from two independent evolution codes. In addition, we determine upper limits for Pb abundances for three previously studied LMC post-AGB objects. Results: Although theoretical predictions for J004441.04-732136.4 match the s-process distribution up to tungsten (W), the predicted very high Pb abundance is clearly not detected. The three additional LMC post-AGB stars show a similar lack of a very high Pb abundance. Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that none of these low-mass, low-metallicity post-AGB stars of the LMC and SMC are strong Pb producers. This conflicts with current theoretical predictions.

NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN HELIUM-ENRICHED ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH MODELS: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEAVY ELEMENT ENRICHMENT IN ω CENTAURI

We investigate the effect of helium enrichment on the evolution and nucleosynthesis of low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of 1.7Msun and 2.36Msun with a metallicity of Z=0.0006 ([Fe/H] = -1.4). We calculate evolutionary sequences with the primordial helium abundance (Y = 0.24) and with helium-enriched compositions (Y = 0.30, 0.35, 0.40). For comparison we calculate models of the same mass but at a lower metallicity Z=0.0003 ([Fe/H] = -1.8) with Y=0.24. Post-processing nucleosynthesis calculations are performed on each of the evolutionary sequences to determine the production of elements from hydrogen through to bismuth. Elemental surface abundance predictions and stellar yields are presented for each model. The models with enriched helium have shorter main sequence and AGB lifetimes, and enter the AGB with a more massive hydrogen exhausted core than the primordial helium model. The main consequences are 1) low-mass AGB models with enhanced helium will evolve more than twice as fast, giving them the chance to contribute sooner to the chemical evolution of the forming globular clusters, and 2) the stellar yields will be strongly reduced relative to their primordial helium counterparts. An increase of Delta Y = 0.10 at a given mass decreases the yields of carbon by up to ~60%, of fluorine by up to 80%, and decreases the yields of the s-process elements barium and lanthanum by about 45%. While the yields of first s-process peak elements strontium, yttrium and zirconium decrease by up to 50%, the yields of rubidium either do not change or increase.

Luminosities of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars in the Milky Way

Stars evolving along the Asymptotic Giant Branch can become Carbon-rich in the final part of their evolution. They replenish the inter-stellar medium with nuclear processed material via strong radiative stellar winds. The determination of the luminosity function of these stars, even if far from being conclusive, is extremely important to test the reliability of theoretical models. In particular, strong constraints on the mixing treatment and the mass-loss rate can be derived. We present an updated Luminosity Function of Galactic Carbon Stars obtained from a re-analysis of available data already published in previous papers. Starting from available near- and mid-infrared photometric data, we re-determine the selection criteria. Moreover, we take advantage from updated distance estimates and Period-Luminosity relations and we adopt a new formulation for the computation of Bolometric Corrections. This leads us to collect an improved sample of carbon-rich sources from which we construct an updated Luminosity Function. The Luminosity Function of Galactic Carbon Stars peaks at magnitudes around -4.9, confirming the results obtained in a previous work. Nevertheless, the Luminosity Function presents two symmetrical tails instead of the larger high luminosity tail characterizing the former Luminosity Function. The derived Luminosity Function of Galactic Carbon Stars matches the indications coming from recent theoretical evolutionary Asymptotic Giant Branch models, thus confirming the validity of the choices of mixing treatment and mass-loss history. Moreover, we compare our new Luminosity Function with its counterpart in the Large Magellanic Cloud finding that the two distributions are very similar for dust-enshrouded sources, as expected from stellar evolutionary models. Finally, we derive a new fitting formula aimed to better determine Bolometric Corrections for C-stars.