Radiation Hydrodynamics of Porosity-Mediated Mass Loss from Super-Eddington Stars

超级Eddington星的孔隙介质质量损失的辐射流体动力学[摘要]将研究光度接近Eddington极限的大质量恒星的质量损失/风的性质。其动机在于需要了解极端恒星风的起源和后果，以及与之相关的发光蓝色变星（如船底座埃塔）的质量损失。这里特别重要的是连续介质驱动的质量损失的潜在作用，它可能在决定重元素丰度低的大质量恒星的命运方面发挥重要作用，包括可能导致早期宇宙再电离的超大质量纯氢/氦恒星。将在四个互补的子项目中探讨两个关键方面：小尺度密度变化在减少辐射与物质之间耦合方面的作用；以及快速自转和伴随的赤道重力变暗的作用，这可能导致两极质量损失（如船底二所示）。这样的质量损失也可能导致与伽马射线暴的超新星模型相关的核心快速旋转。总体目标是开发一个空间结构的自洽辐射流体动力学模型，该模型可以调节非常明亮的恒星中大量质量损失的辐射驱动。一名研究生和一名博士后将接受开发、测试和解释本项目中使用的水动力模型的培训。研究生所做的工作将构成其博士论文的基础。研究结果将通过在各级流行期刊（以及天文学专业期刊）上发表文章和公开演讲的方式传播。

AST-0507581Stanley OwockiUniversity of DelawareRadiation Hydrodynamics of Porosity-Mediated Mass Loss from Super-Eddington StarsABSTRACTThe nature of mass loss/wind generation from massive stars with luminosities near the Eddington limit will be investigated. The motivation lies in the need to understand the origin and consequences of extreme stellar winds and associated mass loss from Luminous Blue Variable stars such as Eta Carinae. Of special importance here is the potential role of continuum-driven mass loss which may play an important role in determining the fate of massive stars with low abundances of heavy elements, including the super-massive pure hydrogen/helium stars which may be responsible for the re-ionization of the early universe. Two key aspects will be explored in four complementary subprojects: the role of small scale density variations in reducing the coupling between radiation and matter; and the role of rapid rotation and accompanying equatorial gravity darkening which could lead to bipolar mass loss (as seen in Eta Carinae). Such mass loss may also lead to the rapid core rotation associated with the hypernova model of gamma ray bursts. The overall goal is the development of a self-consistent radiation hydrodynamic model of the spatial structure that can moderate radiative driving of extensive mass loss in very luminous stars.Both a graduate student and a postdoctoral fellow will be trained in developing, testing, and interpreting the hydrodynamic models used in this project. The work performed by the graduate student will form the basis of their Ph.D. thesis. Results will be disseminated through articles in popular journals and public talks at all levels (as well as professional journals in astronomy).