On the rate of destruction of lithium in late-type main-sequence stars

It it shown that the rate of destruction of lithium by nuclear reactions in the outer mixed layers of late-type main-sequence stars depends on both the depth of the region where mixing occurs and the stratification within it. The mixed region includes and probably extends beneath the base of the convection zone. As the star evolves on the main sequence, the properties of the convection zone vary in a simple manner. If the mixed layer behaves similarly, then the mean destruction rate can easily be related to the present local value evaluated at the base of the mixed layer. In the case of the sun, it is found that if mixing is rapid compared with the nuclear destruction rate, then the mean destruction rate is approximately equal to one-half the present local value.