CNO nucleosynthesis and the nova outburstPredictions for CNO nucleosynthesis by the classical nova outburst are presented. Properties of the nova phenomenon pertinent to the production of CNO isotopes are discussed, the effect of beta(+) unstable nuclei on outburst evolution is examined, and the need for enhanced CNO nuclei in the envelope is described. Possible mechanisms for producing such enhancement are considered, and recent observations of enhanced CNO nuclei in nova ejecta are reviewed. Results of model evolutionary calculations are outlined which show that a thermonuclear runaway in the hydrogen envelope of a carbon-oxygen white dwarf can reproduce the gross features of the classical nova outburst, that the behavior of the outburst depends at least on the hydrogen-envelope mass and the degree of CNO enhancement, and that all degrees of isotopic enhancement result in an outburst that may be compared with observed events. Two enhancement mechanisms are identified, both of which involve mixing in the envelope.
Document ID
19770059830
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Starrfield, S. (Arizona State University Tempe, Ariz., United States)
Truran, J. (Illinois, University Observatory, Urbana, Ill., United States)
Sparks, W. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: General Assembly, Special Session no CNO isotopes in astrophysics