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A variational approach to understanding white dwarf evolutionA variational approach is used to map out the effects that uncertainties in the theoretical model parameters have upon the derived ages near the observed cutoff in the white dwarf luminosity function. Two representative sequences are assessed, simulating a white dwarf with a 50/50 C/O mixture in the core and an outer helium layer and a white dwarf with a C/O convective overshooting profile. The differential effects that the variation of selected model input quantities has on the ages are reported, and it is concluded that internal theoretical uncertainties are small and getting smaller with time, and the results underscore the power of using the observed white dwarf luminosity function for studying the history of star formation in the Galaxy.
Document ID
19900045709
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wood, M. A.
(Texas Univ. Austin, TX, United States)
Winget, D. E.
(Texas, University Austin, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: IAU Colloquium
Location: Hanover, NH
Country: United States
Start Date: August 15, 1988
End Date: August 19, 1988
Accession Number
90A32764
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50210
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-86-00507
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-85-52457
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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