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The thermodynamic requirements on atmospheric models imposed by observed stellar nonthermal mass-fluxes and by those observed nonthermal features enhanced in Xe stars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 August 2015

Richard N. Thomas*
Affiliation:
Institut d'Astrophysique, Paris and Department of Astro-Geophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309

Extract

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If I understand correctly, this session of the Symposium on Mass-Loss and Evolution of O Stars aims at clarifying the merits and demerits of four “theories” for the observed, nonthermal mass-loss from these stars. Hearn has summarized what he considers to be the essential characteristics of each of the four, especially relative to a set of questions which, he considers, put the observational requirements on the “theories” in focus. Representatives of each of the “radiation-pressure initiated, radiative-equilibrium controlled”, “hot corona”, and “warm corona” alternatives have elaborated on Hearn's summary, to stress what they consider essential. So, now, I would do the same for what we caricature as the “imperfect wind-tunnel” modelnot theory, which I assert does not yet exist — both for nonthermal mass-flux, and for other observed nonthermal phenomena, in stellar atmospheres generally, not just in O stars particularly. I assert, that in studying nonthermal mass-flux from O stars, if you limit your attention only to nonthermal mass-flux, and only to O stars, you handicap, a priori, your chance to understand what is required for the general model of a stellar atmosphere, in order to produce this variety of nonthermal phenomena observed, alike in all varieties of stars.

Type
Session 4: Panel Discussion on Stellar Wind Theories
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1979