Presupernova evolution of the most massive stars
| ISSN: |
1572-9672
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|---|---|
| Keywords: |
stellar evolution ; massive stars ; mass loss ; supernovae
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Physics
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| Notes: |
Abstract Taking as example a 60M ⊙ star of solar metallicity, the state of the art of model calculations for very massive, from the main sequence to the supernova stage, is reviewed. It is argued that — due to the simple internal structure of Wolf-Rayet stars — the post main sequence evolutionary phases are currently those which are better understood. A brief discussion of the supernova outcome from very massive stars is given. Then, the more uncertain main sequence evolution is discussed. A first attempt to incorporate results about pulsational instabilities of very massive stars in stellar evolutionary calculations is performed. On its basis, a new type of evolutionary sequence for very massive stars is obtained, namely O-star → Of-star → H-rich WNL → LBV → H-poor WNL → WNE → WC → SN. This scenario is shown to correspond better to many observed properties of very massive stars than the standard one. It includes a model for the prototype LBV P Cygni.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |