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We present the first non-LTE atmosphere models for WRstars that incorporate a self-consistent solution of the hydrodynamic equations. The models take iron-group line-blanketing and clumping into account, and compute the hydrodynamic structure of a radiatively driven wind consistently with the non-LTE radiation transport in the co-moving frame. We construct a self-consistent wind model that reproduces all observed properties of an early-type WCstar (WC5). We find that the WR-type mass-loss is initiated at high optical depth by the so-called "Hot Iron Bump" opacities (Fe IX- XVI). The acceleration of the outer wind regions is due to iron-group ions of lower excitation in combination with C and O. Consequently, the wind structure shows two acceleration regions, one close to the hydrostatic wind base in the optically thick part of the atmosphere, and another farther out in the wind. In addition to the radiative acceleration, the "Iron Bump" opacities are responsible for an intense heating of deep atmospheric layers. We find that the observed narrow O VI emission lines in the optical spectra of WC stars originate from this region. From their dependence on the clumping factor we gain important information about the location where the density inhomogeneities in WR-winds start to develop
Recent non-LTE models for expanding atmospheres, accounting for iron group line-blanketing and clumping, show a radiative acceleration which supplies a large part of the driving force of WR winds. Aiming at the calculation of fully consistent wind models, we developed a method to include the solution of the hydrodynamic equations into our code, taking into account the radiation pressure from the comoving-frame radiation transport. In the present work we discuss the resulting wind acceleration for WR- and O star models, and demonstrate the effects of clumping. In addition, we present a consistent hydrodynamic non-LTE model for the O-star zeta Puppis, which is calculated under consideration of complex model atoms of H, He, C, N, O, Si and the iron group elements. In its present state this model fails to reproduce the observed mass loss rate - probably due to still incomplete atomic data.
HST UV and optical spectra of the early-type [WC] star SMP 61 in the LMC are analyzed by means of line blanketed non-LTE models for expanding atmospheres. The known distance to the LMC allows a reliable determination of the stellar parameters. The low iron surface abundance of the object possibly indicates a preceding evolution through a very late thermal pulse (VLTP).
The blue compact H II galaxy CTS 1026 shows very strong WR emission features around 4686 AA and 5800 AA. We present high S/N optical spectra of the nucleus of this object. Byanalysis of the WR profile shapes, we determine the dominant spectral types and the WN/WC ratio in the starforming region. The ratio WR/O is determined via standard nebular diagnostics.
We describe the treatment of iron group line-blanketing in non-LTE model atmospheres for WR stars. As an example, a blanketed model for the early-type WC star WR 111 is compared to its un-blanketed counterpart. Blanketing affects the ionization structure and the emergent flux distribution of our models. The radiation pressure, as computed within our models, falls short by only a factor of two to provide the mechanical power of the WR wind.
Grids of model atmospheres for Wolf-Rayet stars of the nitrogen sequence (WN subclass) are presented. The calculations account for the expansion of the atmosphere, non-LTE, clumping, and line blanketing from iron-group elements. Observed spectra of single Galactic WN stars can in general be reproduced consistently by this generation of models. The parameters of the presented model grids cover the whole relevant range of stellar temperatures and mass-loss rates. We point out that there is a degeneracy of parameters for very thick winds; their spectra tend to depend only on the ratio $L/{dot M}^{4/3}$. Abundances of the calculated grids are for Galactic WN stars without hydrogen and with 20% hydrogen (by mass), respectively. Model spectra and fluxes are available via internet (http://www.astro.physik.uni- potsdam.de/PoWR.html).
Most Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae exhibit a spectrum of a hydrogen-rich hot star with little or no stellar wind. About 20 % of the CSPN, however, show entirely different spectra dominated by bright and broad emission lines of carbon, oxygen and helium, resembling the so-called Wolf-Rayet (WR) spectral class originally established for massive, Pop. I stars. These spectra indicate a hydrogen-deficient surface composition and, at the same time, strong mass-loss. As the WR spectra are formed entirely in a dense stellar wind, their spectral analysis requires adequate modelling. Corresponding Non-LTE model atmospheres have been developed in the last decade and became more and more sophisticated. They have been applied yet for analyzing almost all available WR-type CSPN spectra, establishing the stellar parameters. The obtained surface abundances are not understandable in terms of "classical" evolutionary calculations, but agree in principle with the advanced models for AGB evolution which account consistently for diffusive mixing and nuclear burning. The underabundance of iron, which we established in a recent study of a WC-type central star (LMC-SMP 61), gives indirect evidence that neutron-capture synthesis has converted Fe into s-process elements.
The Potsdam Non-LTE code for expanding atmospheres, which accounts for clumping and iron-line blanketing, has been used to establish a grid of model atmospheres for WC stars. A parameter degeneracy is discovered for early-type WC models which do not depend on the "stellar temperature". 15 galactic WC4-7 stars are analyzed, showing a very uniform carbon abundance (He:C=55:40) with only few exceptions.
WR Central Stars
(2003)
The analysis of Wolf-Rayet spectra requires adequate model atmospheres which treat the non-LTE radiation transfer in a spherically expanding medium. Present state-of-the-art calculations account for complex model atoms with, typically, a few hundred energy levels and a few thousand spectral lines of He and CNO elements. In the most recent version of our model code, blanketing by millions of lines from iron-group elements is also included. These models have been widely applied for the spectral analysis of WN stars in the Galaxy and LMC. WN spectra can be well reproduced in most cases. WC stars have not yet been analyzed comprehensively, because the agreement with observations becomes satisfactory only when line-blanketed models are applied. The introduction of inhomogeneities (clumping), although treated in a rough approximation, has significantly improved the fit between synthetic and observed spectra with respect to the electron-scattering wings of strong lines. The mass-loss rates obtained from spectral analyses become smaller by a factor 2-3 if clumping is accounted for. A pre-specified velocity law is adopted for our models, but the radiation pressure can be evaluated from our detailed calculation and can be compared a posteriori with the required wind acceleration. Surprisingly we find that the line-blanketed models are not far from being hydrodynamically consistent, thus indicating that radiation pressure is probably the main driving force for the mass-loss from WR stars.
Non-LTE models of WR winds
(2000)
We present our technique for solving the equations of radiation transfer in spherically expanding atmospheres. To ensure an efficient treatment of the Thomson scattering, the mean intensity J is derived by solving the moment equations in turn with the angle-dependent transfer equation. The latter provide the Eddington factors. Two different methods for the solution of the angle dependent equation are compared. Thereby the integration along short characteristics turned out to be superior in our context over the classical differencing scheme. The method is the basis of a non-LTE code suitable for the atmospheres of hot stars with high mass-loss.