Physics, Formation and Evolution of Rotating Stars

by Andre Maeder

Overview

Rotation is ubiquitous at each step of stellar evolution, from star formation to the final stages, and it affects the course of evolution, the timescales and nucleosynthesis. Stellar rotation is also an essential prerequisite for the occurrence of Gamma-Ray Bursts.

In this book the author thoroughly examines the basic mechanical and thermal effects of rotation, their influence on mass loss by stellar winds, the effects of differential rotation and its associated instabilities, the relation with magnetic fields and the evolution of the internal and surface rotation. Further, he discusses the numerous observational signatures of rotational effects obtained from spectroscopy and interferometric observations, as well as from chemical abundance determinations, helioseismology and asteroseismology, etc.

On an introductory level, this book presents in a didactical way the basic concepts of stellar structure and evolution in "track 1" chapters. The other more specialized chapters form an advanced course on the graduate level and will further serve as a valuable reference work for professional astrophysicists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783540769484
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	02/13/2009
Series:	Astronomy and Astrophysics Library
Edition description:	2009
Pages:	832
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.06(d)

Table of Contents

Stellar Equilibrium With and Without Rotation.- The Mechanical Equilibrium of Stars.- The Mechanical Equilibrium of Rotating Stars.- The Energetic Equilibrium of Stars.- The Energy Conservation and Radiative Equilibrium in Rotating Stars.- Stellar Convection.- Overshoot, Semiconvection, Thermohaline Convection, Rotation and Solberg–Hoiland Criterion.- Physical Properties of Stellar Matter.- The Equation of State.- The Opacities.- Nuclear Reactions and Neutrino Processes.- Hydrodynamical Instabilities and Transport Processes.- Transport Processes: Diffusion and Advection.- Meridional Circulation.- Rotation-Driven Instabilities.- Magnetic Field Instabilities and Transport Processes.- Physics of Mass Loss by Stellar Winds.- Acoustic and Gravity Waves. Helio- and Asteroseismology.- Radial Pulsations of Stars.- Nonradial Stellar Oscillations.- Transport by Gravity Waves.- Star Formation.- Pre-stellar Phase.- The Protostellar Phase and Accretion Disks.- The Pre-main Sequence Phase and the Birthlines.- Rotation in Star Formation.- The Formation of Massive Stars.- The Formation of First Stars in the Universe: Pop. III and Pop. II.5 Stars.- Main-Sequence and Post-MS Evolution.- Solutions of the Equations and Simple Models.- Evolution in the H-Burning Phases.- Evolution in the He Burning and AGB Phases of Low and Intermediate Mass Stars with Rotation.- Massive Star Evolution with Mass Loss and Rotation.- Advanced Evolutionary Stages and Pre-supernovae.- Evolution of Z = 0 and Very Low Z Stars.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"Stellar phenomena are understood to varying degrees but remain challenging problems. … André Maeder, an astrophysicist at the Observatory of Geneva, has taken up that challenge. In Physics, Formation and Evolution of Rotating Stars, he not only treats stellar rotation, but weaves it into the broader tapestry of stellar structure. … a comprehensive work for graduate students and researchers. … With its wealth of information, Maeder’s book will be useful for those … interested in the internal dynamics of stars." (Steven Stahler, Physics Today, September, 2009)

“Maeder’s book develops the background theory of stellar evolution from the basics, allowing parts of the book to be accessible to (very) advanced undergraduates and making it more suitable as an introduction to the subject for a graduate student. … is probably best thought of as a reference text. … persevering reader will find much of interest, explained in a generally clear style. I shall certainly be glad to have this book on my shelf.” (Robert C. Smith, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 52 (1), 2011)

From the Publisher