Stellar Evolution Of Massive Stars Research Articles

Tidal dissipation impact on the eccentric onset of common envelope phases in massive binary star systems

ABSTRACT Tidal dissipation due to turbulent viscosity in the convective regions of giant stars plays an important role in shaping the orbits of pre-common-envelope systems. Such systems are possible sources of transients and close compact binary systems that will eventually merge and produce detectable gravitational wave signals. Most previous studies of the onset of common envelope episodes have focused on circular orbits and synchronously rotating donor stars under the assumption that tidal dissipation can quickly spin-up the primary and circularize the orbit before the binary reaches Roche lobe overflow (RLO). We test this assumption by coupling numerical models of the post-main-sequence stellar evolution of massive stars with the model for tidal dissipation in convective envelopes developed in Vick & Lai – a tidal model that is accurate even for highly eccentric orbits with small pericentre distances. We find that, in many cases, tidal dissipation does not circularize the orbit before RLO. For a $10\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ ($15\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) primary star interacting with a $1.4\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ companion, systems with pericentre distances within 3 au (6 au) when the primary leaves the main sequence will retain the initial orbital eccentricity when the primary grows to the Roche radius. Even in systems that tidally circularize before RLO, the donor star may be rotating subsynchronously at the onset of mass transfer. Our results demonstrate that some possible precursors to double neutron star systems are likely eccentric at the Roche radius. The effects of pre-common-envelope eccentricity on the resulting compact binary merit further study.

Research at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the Université Libre de Bruxelles

Over the years, a coherent research strategy has developed in the field of stellar physics at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (IAA). It involves observational studies (chemical composition of giant stars, binary properties, tomography of stellar atmospheres) that make use of the large ESO telescopes as well as of other major instruments. The presence of a high-resolution spectrograph on the 3.6-m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) would therefore be highly beneficial to IAA research. These observations are complemented and supported by theoretical studies of mass transfer in binary systems, of standard and non-standard stellar evolution (including the modelling of stellar hydrodynamical nuclear burning for application to certain thermonuclear supernovae) and of nuclear astrophysics (a field in which IAA has been recognized for a long time as an international centre of excellence), including the theory of nucleosynthesis. IAA also addresses the end-points of stellar evolution as it is carrying out research on the compact remnants of stellar evolution of massive stars: neutron stars.

SN 2008D: A WOLF-RAYET EXPLOSION THROUGH A THICK WIND

Supernova (SN) 2008D/XRT 080109 is considered to be the only direct detection of a shock breakout from a regular SN to date. While a breakout interpretation was favored by several papers, inconsistencies remain between the observations and current SN shock breakout theory. Most notably, the duration of the luminous X-ray pulse is considerably longer than expected for a spherical breakout through the surface of a type Ibc SN progenitor, and the X-ray radiation features, mainly its flat spectrum and its luminosity evolution, are enigmatic. We apply a recently developed theoretical model for the observed radiation from a Wolf-Rayet SN exploding through a thick wind and show that it naturally explains all the observed features of SN 2008D X-ray emission, including the energetics, the spectrum and the detailed luminosity evolution. We find that the inferred progenitor and SN parameters are typical for an exploding Wolf-Rayet. A comparison of the wind density found at the breakout radius to the density at much larger radii, as inferred by late radio observations, suggests an enhanced mass loss rate taking effect about ten days or less prior to the SN explosion. This finding joins accumulating evidence for a possible late phase in the stellar evolution of massive stars, involving vigorous mass loss a short time before the SN explosion.

Stellar evolution of massive stars with a radiative α-Ω dynamo

Models of rotationally-driven dynamos in stellar radiative zones have suggested that magnetohydrodynamic transport of angular momentum and chemical composition can dominate over the otherwise purely hydrodynamic processes. A proper consideration of the interaction between rotation and magnetic fields is therefore essential. Previous studies have focused on a magnetic model where the magnetic field strength is derived as a function of the stellar structure and angular momentum distribution. We have adapted our one-dimensional stellar rotation code, RoSE, to model the poloidal and toroidal magnetic field strengths with a pair of time-dependent advection-diffusion equations coupled to the equations for the evolution of the angular momentum distribution and stellar structure. This produces a much more complete, though still reasonably simple, model for the magnetic field evolution. Our model reproduces well observed surface nitrogen enrichment of massive stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. In particular it reproduces a population of slowly-rotating nitrogen-enriched stars that cannot be explained by rotational mixing alone alongside the traditional rotationlly-enriched stars. The model further predicts a strong mass-dependency for the dynamo-driven field. Above a threshold mass, the strength of the magnetic dynamo decreases abruptly and so we predict that more massive stars are much less likely to support a dynamo-driven field than less massive stars.

Wave-driven mass loss in the last year of stellar evolution: setting the stage for the most luminous core-collapse supernovae

ABSTRACT During the late stages of stellar evolution in massive stars (C fusion and later), the fusion luminosity in the core of the star exceeds the star's Eddington luminosity. This can drive vigorous convective motions which in turn excite internal gravity waves. The local wave energy flux excited by convection is itself well above Eddington during the last few years in the life of the star. We suggest that an interesting fraction of the energy in gravity waves can, in some cases, convert into sound waves as the gravity waves propagate (tunnel) towards the stellar surface. The subsequent dissipation of the sound waves can unbind up to several M⊙ of the stellar envelope. This wave-driven mass loss can explain the existence of extremely large stellar mass-loss rates just prior to core collapse, which are inferred via circumstellar interaction in some core-collapse supernovae (e.g. SNe 2006gy and PTF 09uj, and even Type IIn supernovae more generally). An outstanding question is understanding what stellar parameters (mass, rotation, metallicity and age) are the most susceptible to wave-driven mass loss. This depends on the precise internal structure of massive stars and the power spectrum of internal gravity waves excited by stellar convection.

Wave-Driven Mass Loss: A mechanism for late-stage stellar eruptions

AbstractDuring the late stages of stellar evolution in massive stars (carbon fusion and later), the fusion and neutrino luminosities in the core of the star exceed the Eddington luminosity. This can drive vigorous convective motions which in turn excite a super-Eddington flux in internal gravity waves. We show that an interesting fraction of the energy in excited gravity waves can, in some cases, convert into sound waves as the gravity waves propagate (tunnel) towards the stellar surface. The subsequent dissipation of the sound waves can unbind up to several M⊙ of the stellar envelope. This wave-driven mass loss can explain the existence of extremely large stellar mass loss rates just prior to core-collapse, which are inferred via circumstellar interaction in some core-collapse supernovae (e.g., SNe 2006gy and PTF 09uj).

Expanded calculation of weak-interaction-mediated neutrino cooling rates due to 56Ni in stellar matter

An accurate estimate of the neutrino cooling rates is required in order to study the various stages of stellar evolution of massive stars. Neutrino losses from proto-neutron stars play a crucial role in deciding whether these stars would be crushed into black holes or explode as supernovae. Both pure leptonic and weak-interaction processes contribute to the neutrino energy losses in stellar matter. At low temperatures and densities, the characteristics of the early phase of presupernova evolution, cooling through neutrinos produced via the weak interaction, are important. Proton–neutron quasi-particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory has recently been used with success for the calculation of stellar weak-interaction rates of fp-shell nuclide. The lepton-to-baryon ratio (Ye) during early phases of stellar evolution of massive stars changes substantially, mainly due to electron captures on 56Ni. The stellar matter is transparent to the neutrinos produced during the presupernova evolution of massive stars. These neutrinos escape the site and assist the stellar core in maintaining a lower entropy. Here, an expanded calculation of weak-interaction-mediated neutrino and antineutrino cooling rates due to 56Ni in stellar matter using the pn-QRPA theory is presented. This detailed scale is appropriate for interpolation purposes and is of greater utility for simulation codes. The calculated rates are compared with earlier calculations. During the relevant temperature and density regions of stellar matter the reported rates show few differences compared with the shell model rates and might contribute in fine-tuning of the lepton-to-baryon ratio during the presupernova phases of stellar evolution of massive stars.

The Supernova/GRB Connection

SummaryWe discuss the possible connection between supernova explosions (SN) and gamma-ray bursters (GRB) from the perspective of our current understanding of SN physics. Core collapse supernovae (SN) are the final stages of stellar evolution in massive stars during which the central region collapses, forms a neutron star (NS) or black hole, and the outer layers are ejected. Recent explosion scenarios assumed that the ejection is due to energy deposition by neutrinos into the envelope but detailed models do not produce powerful explosions. There is new and mounting evidence for an asphericity and, in particular, for axial symmetry in several supernovae which may be hard to reconcile within the spherical picture. The 3-D signatures are a key to understand core collapse supernovae and the GRB/SN connection. In this paper we study the effects and observational consequences of asymmetric explosions.

Wolf--Rayet binaries in the Magellanic Clouds and implications for massive-star evolution -- II. Large Magellanic Cloud

We present in this second paper the results of our intensive spectroscopic campaign to search for binaries via periodic radial-velocity (RV) variations among Wolf—Rayet (WR) stars for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We observed 61 nitrogen-rich WNE stars in the LMC. Along with the results of Bartzakos, Moffat & Niemela on the carbon/oxygen-rich WR stars, 2/3 of the WR population of the LMC (134 stars in total) has now been investigated for periodic RV variability. We have also retrieved time-dependent photometric data in the public domain from the OGLE and MACHO projects, as well as X-ray data from ROSAT and Chandra satellites, to provide additional constraints on the binary character. For each of our sample stars, we discuss its observational properties: RV variations, (periodic) photometric variability, X-ray luminosity, spectral classification, abundance of hydrogen, runaway status and line-profile variations (LPVs). For the binaries we discuss additional properties, such as wind—wind collision (WWC) effects, and the orbital parameters. With this large sample, we discuss the global properties of the WNE population, which is expected to be the most sensitive to binary evolution with respect to the influence of metallicity. To emphasize the relevance of the binary frequency test for the stellar evolution of massive stars in the LMC, we review their observational properties and provide new and meaningful evolutionary classes, which reconcile observational and theoretical definitions. Finally, we draw an overall evolutionary scheme for massive-star evolution, with respect to the three main ingredients of stellar evolution: mass, metallicity and rotation.

Wolf--Rayet binaries in the Magellanic Clouds and implications for massive-star evolution -- I. Small Magellanic Cloud

We have carried out an intensive spectroscopic campaign to search for binaries via periodic radial velocity (RV) variations among all the nitrogen-rich WN Wolf‐Rayet (WR) stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and all WNE stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We present in this first paper the results for the SMC. Along with the results of Bartzakos et al. on the only carbon/oxygen-rich WR star (AB8, WO4+O4), the whole WR population of the SMC (11 stars) has now been investigated intensively for periodic RV variability. We have also retrieved time-dependent photometric data in the public domain from the OGLE and MACHO projects, and X-ray data from the ROSAT and Chandra archives, to provide additional constraints on the binary character. Contrary to theoretical expectations that predict a virtually 100 per cent binary frequency in the SMC, we find a normal (∼40 per cent) WR binary frequency in this galaxy. We also find the clear presence of hydrogen in the winds of the single WR stars in the SMC, even for the stars with an early spectral subtype. We discuss the possible reasons and implications of this for stellar evolution of massive stars in such a low-metallicity environment, e.g. the influence of rotation versus the necessity of a very high initial mass of the progenitors for single stars, and the possible past occurrence of Roche lobe overflow for binaries.

Aspherical supernova explosions

Core collapse supernovae (SN) are the final stages of stellar evolution in massive stars during which the central region collapses, forms a neutron star (NS), and the outer layers are ejected. Recent explosion scenarios assumed that the ejection is due to energy deposition by neutrinos into the envelope, but detailed models do not produce powerful explosions. There is new and mounting evidence for an asphericity and, in particular, for axial symmetry in several supernovae which may be hard to reconcile within the spherical picture. This evidence includes the observed high polarization and its variation with time, pulsar kicks, high velocity iron-group and intermediate-mass elements material observed in remnants, direct observations of the debris of SN 1987A, etc. Some of the new evidence is discussed in more detail. To be in agreement with the observations, any successful mechanism must invoke some sort of axial symmetry for the explosion. We consider jet-induced/dominated explosions of core collapse supernovae. Our study is based on detailed 3-d hydrodynamical and radiation transport models. We find that the observations can be explained by low velocity, massive jets which stall well within the SN envelope. Such outflows may be produced by MHD-mechanisms, convective dominated accretion disks on the central object or asymmetric neutrino emissions. Asymmetric density/chemical distributions and, for SN 2002ap, off-center energy depositions have been identified as crucial for the interpretation of the polarization.

Supernovae, hypernovae and color superconductivity

We argue that Color Superconductivity (CSC, Cooper pairing in quark matter leading to the breaking of SU(3) color symmetry) may play a role in triggering the explosive endpoint of stellar evolution in massive stars (M > 8 M_{\odot}). We show that the binding energy release in the transition of a sub-core region to the CSC phase can be of the same order of magnitude as the gravitational binding energy release from core collapse. The core temperature during collapse is likely below the critical temperature for CSC, and the transition is first order, proceeding on Fermi timescales when the pressure reaches a critical value of several times nuclear density. We also discuss the implications for hypernova events with total ejecta energy of 10-100 times that of type II supernova.

Beta decay rates of sd-shell nuclei in stellar interiors

Abstract Gamow-Teller matrix elements of sd-shell nuclei relevant for stellar evolution of massive stars are calculated by using the sd-shell model wave functions of Wildenthal. Emphasis is placed on the calculations of GT transitions between excited states, which are not obtainable by experiment. Our results are compared with the previous work by Fuller et al. and are found notably different in many cases. The beta decay rates, as calculated with and without the contributions of excited states, are demonstrated to be quite different under conditions of high density and high temperature.

The Final Fate of Massive Stars

The cluster membership of Wolf-Rayet stars, supernova remnants and pulsars is used to study the late stages of stellar evolution of massive stars.

On Stars, Their Evolution and Their Stability

The most important fact concerning a star is its mass. It is measured in units of the mass of the sun, which is 2 x 10/sup 33/g: stars with masses very much less than, or very much more than the mass of the sun are relatively infrequent. The current theories of stellar structure and evolution derive their successes largely from the fact that the following combination of the dimensions of a mass provides a correct measure of stellar masses: natural constant = (hc/G)/sup 3/ /sup 2/ 1/H/sup 2/ approx. = 29.2 times the mass of sun where G is the constant of gravitation and H is the mass of hydrogen atom. There is an upper limit, M sub limit, to the mass of stars which can become degenerate configurations, as the last stage in their evolution; and stars with M > M sub limit must have end states which cannot be predicted from the considerations presented in this paper. For stars with mass less than 0.43 x the mass of the sun, the end stage of evolution can only be that of the white dwarfs. The inability of massive stars to become white dwarfs must result in the development ofmore » much more extreme conditions in their interiors and eventually in the onset of gravitational collapse attended by the supernova phenomena. Neutron stars or black holes form as the natural end products of stellar evolution of massive stars. 24 references, 7 figures, 2 tables.« less

Explosive nucleosynthesis in massive stars - Comparison with the Cassiopeia A fast-moving knots

If the ejecta of a Type II supernova do not undergo extensive mixing, then, based on the explosion of current presupernova models, only a small fraction approximately equal to or less than 0.1 solar mass of the mantle of a massive star can yield abundances similar to those observed in the fast-moving knots of Cas A. This is shown to be independent of the detailed structure of the mantle and the supernova energy. Lack of mixing in Cas A is indicated by strong upper limits on the abundance ratios Ne/O, and Fe/O. If this is confirmed by further observations, then either Cas A is not the result of a standard progenitor of approximately equal to or less than 25 solar masses disrupted by a Type II supernova, or the picture of the last stages of stellar evolution in massive stars needs to be modified substantially.