Fluctuation theory of the mass flux from the stars |
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| Authors: | C D Andriesse |
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| Institution: | (1) Kapteyn Sterrenwacht, University of Groningen, KA Roden, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | The mass flux from a star is adopted to result from a fluctuation of the photosphere, which is not in complete thermal equilibrium. Because of the large difference between the dynamical and thermal relaxation times, its state can be approximated by a partial equilibrium. Using a theory of thermodynamic fluctuations, the mass flux is expressed in a correlation function of gravitational perturbations of the photosphere. A hypothesis is proposed that the susceptibility to these perturbations, if normalized to the available thermal energy, is the same for all stars. Its value is obtained by considering the upper limit to the mass flux. This results in a mean mass loss ofL
3/2 (R/M)9/4/G
7/4, where the symbols have their common meaning. The result is compared to empirical data on the mass flux from some 50 stars of various luminosities and luminosity classes. With a possible exception for late-type (super) giants the agreement is good, in many cases within a factor 2. |
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| Keywords: | |
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