Engineering topics

Cassinelli, J. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Cassinelli, J. P..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1995

The IUE Mega Campaign: Wind Variability and Rotation in Early-Type Stars

Wind variability in OB stars may be ubiquitous and a connection between projected stellar rotation velocity and wind activity is well established. However, the origin of this connection is unknown. To probe the nature of the rotation connection, several of the attendees at the workshop on Instability and Variability of Hot-Star Winds drafted an IUE observing proposal. The goal of this program was to follow three stars for several rotations to determine whether the rotation connection is correlative or causal. The stars selected for monitoring all have rotation periods less than or equal to 5 days. They were HD 50896 (WN5), HD 64760 (BO.5 Ib), and HD 66811 (zeta Pup; 04 If(n)). During 16 days of nearly continuous observations in 1995 January (dubbed the 'MEGA' campaign), 444 high-dispersion IUE spectra of these stars were obtained. This Letter presents an overview of the results of the MEGA campaign and provides an introduction to the three following Letters, which discuss the results for each star.

Massa, D.↗

NASA NTRS1995

EUVE spectroscopy of epsilon Canis Majoris (B2 II) from 70 to 730 A

We present spectra of the brightest stellar source of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation longward of 400 A, the B2 II star, epsilon CMa. These data were taken with the three spectrometers aboard the NASA Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite (EUVE) during the first cycle of pointed observations. We report on our initial studies of the continuum and line spectrum of the stellar photosphere in the 320 to 730 A region, and on the wind emission lines observed in the 170-375 A region. This is the first EUV spectrum of an early-type star, and thus makes epsilon CMa the most comprehensively observed B star from the X-ray to infrared regimes. The radiation in both the H Lyman continuum and He I continuum (shortward of 504 A) are found to be significantly greater than predicted by both Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE model atmospheres. Since epsilon CMa also exhibits a mid-infrared excess, this points to the outer layers being warmer than the models indicate. The anomalously large Lyman continuum flux, combined with the very low column density measured in the direction toward this star implies that it is the dominant source of hydrogen ionization of the local interstellar medium in the immediate vicinity of the sun. All of the lines predicted to be strong from model atmospheres are present and several wind absorption features are also identified. We have detected emission lines from highly ionized iron that are consistent with the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations if a multi-temperature emission model is used, and the assumption is made that there is significant absorption beyond that of the neutral phase of the ISM. The spectrum shows strong O III 374 A line emission produced by the Bowen flourescence mechanism, which has not previously been observed in the spectra of hot stars.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Evidence for a disk in the wind of HD 93521: UV line profiles from an axisymmetric model

Recently it has been suggested (Massa 1992; Howarth & Reid 1993), from the C IV ultraviolet resonance line profile of HD 93521, that there is a high-speed component in the polar outflow from the star as well as a low-speed component in the equatorial regions. In this paper we present theoretical calculations of the line profiles that would be produced by such a model. We find from Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) observations of HD 93521 that the observed C IV profile can be produced if the star has an inclination angle very close to 90 deg and if the star is surrounded by a thin disk, whose half-width is approximately 3 deg in latitude. The geometry of this disk is similar to what one would expect from the wind-compressed disk model of Bjorkman & Cassinelli, so this star may provide an ideal observational test of that model. In addition to the C IV resonance line, we examine both the Si IV and N V resonance lines. The Si IV line exhibits low-velocity absorption that is similar to that seen in the C IV line, but the emission is much weaker. On the other hand, the N V line has weaker absorption and much stronger emission than the C IV line. N V is a higher ionization state than C IV, so it is likely that N V is one stage above the dominant state, N IV. Apart from fitting individual line profiles, we also examine the differences between the two Hubble Space Telescope observations of HD 93521. We find evidence for a pair of narrow absorption components, seen at low velocity, as well as evidence for a discrete emission feature in the blueshifted absorption cores of the lines. This blueshifted emission at low velocity can cause what instead appears to be an interstella absorption line. Without multiple observations that can reveal the temporary emission, one must be very careful when determining interstellar column densities to stars like HD 93521.

Bjorkman, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1994

X-ray emission from near-main-sequence B stars

Results of a Roengten Satellite (ROSAT) X-ray survey of 12 nearby near-main-sequence B stars are presented. Objects with very low interstellar hydrogen column density were chosen to study the soft X-ray emission properties of the stars. All of the stars were detected at the 3 sigma level. Spectral fits to seven of the stars are presented, and temperatures and source emission measures are derived. The spectra and characterized by emission from gas at a temperature of about 2 x 10(exp 6) K, which is lower than that typically observed for O stars. The ratio L(sub x)/L(sub Bol) decreases sharply with spectral types later than B1, reaching values of about 10(exp -9) at B3 V; much less than the value of 10(exp -7) that holds for O stars and early-B stars. The survey includes four beta Cephei stars and two Be stars. Our observations are consistent with the finding that beta Cephei variables have softer spectra than other stars of the same spectral type. The X-ray emission measures for the stars are compared with upper and lower limits derived using mass loss rates and terminal velocities from line-driven wind theory. It is concluded that if shocks embedded in the winds are the source of the X-ray emission then a significant fraction of the winds in B stars must be hot. One to a few shocks can account for the observed emission measures. As a function of spectral type, there appears to be a transition in X-ray emission properties at about B1 to B1.5, with later type stars having a smaller L(sub x)/L(sub Bol) ratio. Coronal and shock models are discussed in regards to the BO V star tau Sco which has an anomalously high source temperature.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Equatorial disk formation around rotating stars due to ram pressure confinement by the stellar wind

The axisymmetric 2D supersonic solution of a rotating, radiation-driven stellar wind presently obtained by a simple approximation predicts the formation of a dense equatorial disk, when the star's rotation rate lies above a threshold value that depends on the ratio of the wind's terminal speed to the escape speed of the star. The disk is formed because the trajectories of the wind leaving the stellar surface at high latitudes carry it down to the equatorial plane; there, the material passes through a standing oblique shock atop the disk; it is therefore the ram pressure of the polar wind that compresses and confines the disk.

Bjorkman, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Polarization cancellation in the two-component winds from Wolf-Rayet stars

In this paper we explore the possibility that there can be at least partial cancellation of the equatorial disk polarization as a result of scattering from the electrons that are present in the strong polar wind of WR stars. In order to achieve the cancellation necessary to explain the wavelength-dependent polarization, the polar wind must have a mass-loss rate that is near the maximum that is supported by radiation-driven wind theory. In addition, we find that it is possible to derive important new information regarding the relative column masses of the polar and equatorial winds.

Taylor, M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Wolf-Rayet stars as starting points or as endpoints of the evolution of massive stars?

The paper investigates the evidence for the two interpretations of Wolf-Rayet stars suggested in the literature: (1) massive premain-sequence stars with disks and (2) massive stars which have lost most of their H-rich layers in a stellar wind is investigated. The abundance determinations which are done in two different ways and which lead to different conclusions are discussed. The composition is solar, which would suggest interpretation (1), or the CNO abundances are strongly anomalous, which would suggest interpretation (2). Results from evolutionary calculations, stellar statistics, the existence of Ofpe/WN9 transition stars and W-R stars with evolved companions show overwhelming evidence that W-R stars are not premain-sequence stars but that they are in a late stage of evolution. Moreover, the fact that W-R stars are usually in clear regions of space, whereas massive premain-sequence stars are embedded in ultracompact H II regions also shows that W-R stars are not young premain-sequence stars.

Lamers, H. J. G. L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Dust in regions of massive star formation

It is suggested that protostars increase mass by accreting the surrounding gas and dust. Grains are destroyed as they near the central protostar creating a dust shell or cocoon. Radiation pressure acting on the grains can halt the inflow of material thereby limiting the amount of mass accumulated by the protostar. General constraints were considered on the initial dust-to-gas ratio and mass accretion rates that permit inflow. These results were constrained further by constructing a numerical model, including radiative deceleration on grains and grain destruction processes. Also the constraints on dust properties were investigated which allow the formation of massive stars. The obtained results seem to suggest that massive star formation requires rather extreme preconditioning of the grain and gas environment.

Wolfire, Mark G.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Modeling mass loss from B(e) stars

It was suggested by Zickgraf et al. (1986) that the outer atmospheres of some B(e) stars have a two-component structure: a fast, radiation-driven wind from the pole, and a dense, slow outflow from the equator. Poe et al. (1989) developed this theory to explain the momentum problem associated with WR stars. This paper uses the multiforce wind theory of Poe et al. to model the B(e) outflow phenomenon. Two general questions are investigated: (1) whether B(e) stars can be rotating near critical speed, and if so, (2) what constraints can be placed on the parameters that determine the two-component flow structure.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Polarization of light scattered from the winds of early-type stars

There is evidence from visible wavelength polarimetry that the matter in the winds of early-type stars is not distributed uniformly about the stars. In this paper equations for the observable polarization from an axisymmetric distribution of electrons are derived first from the basic point source model of Brown and McLean (1977) and then from extended atmosphere radiative transfer theory. A factor is derived which corrects the Brown and McLean model for the finite size of stars. This finite disk factor is found to reduce the magnitude of the predicted polarization to less than half of the point source prediction. The effects of having the mass outflow concentrated in a plume are considered. The effects of absorption in an unocculted plume are shown to give rise to a wavelength-dependent polarization that is described using a 'polarization color' parameter. A continuum opacity index is defined that allows for a straightforward interpretation of the polarization of stars of differing effective temperatures.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Grain processes in massive star formation

Observational evidence suggests that stars greater than 100 M(solar) exist in the Galaxy and Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), however classical star formation theory predicts stellar mass limits of only approx. 60 M(solar). A protostellar accretion flow consists of inflowing gas and dust. Grains are destroyed as they are near the central protostar creating a dust shell or cocoon. Radiation pressure acting on the grain can halt the inflow of material thereby limiting the amount of mass accumulated by the protostar. We first consider rather general constraints on the initial grain to gas ratio and mass accretion rates that permit inflow. We further constrain these results by constructing a numerical model. Radiative deceleration of grains and grain destruction processes are explicitly accounted for in an iterative solution of the radiation-hydrodynamic equations. Findings seem to suggest that star formation by spherical accretion requires rather extreme preconditioning of the grain and gas environment.

Wolfire, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Polarization in massive X-ray binaries. I - A low-inclination model for Cygnus X-1

The possibility that variable linear polarization in massive X-ray binaries is produced by electron scattering in an asymmetric stellar wind is investigated. The stellar wind is asymmetric because of the gravitational field of the secondary (X-ray source). The degree of asymmetry and the magnitude of the linear polarization are controlled by the degree to which the primary star fills its Roche lobe. For the well-observed X-ray binary Cyg X-1, the present model can produce the correct magnitude for the polarization. Provided that the inclination of the system is less than about 20 deg, the present model should also predict the correct phase dependence of the polarization. Modifications to the model are described which would enable it to apply to systems with higher inclination.

Friend, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Stellar chromospheres, coronae, and winds

It has now been found that one or more of the phenomena of chromospheres, coronae, and winds are present in stars of every class. A review is provided of the observational and theoretical results pertaining to the thermal and dynamical structure of early- and late-type stellar atmospheres. Single stars either on the main sequence or in the postmain sequence stages of evolution are considered. In the context of a study of late-type stars, the specific case of the sun is also examined. The observational evidence for the presence of chromospheres in late-type stellar atmospheres is discussed, taking into account spectral diagnostics and line formation, an observational summary and aspects of location in the H-R diagram, and the Wilson-Bappu effect. Attention is also given to observational evidence for the presence of transition regions and coronae in late-type stellar atmospheres, chromospheric and coronal heating mechanisms, observational evidence for mass loss, and the winds and coronae of early-type stars.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

X-ray observations of Wolf-Rayet stars

X-ray observations have been made of a very luminous O8f star, four late WN stars, and eight O VI Wolf-Rayet stars. The X-ray pulse height distributions of the O8f star is analyzed to obtain information on source temperature, emission measure, and location relative to the stellar wind. Only upper limits are obtained for the X-rays from the Wolf-Rayet stars, but for the late WN stars the upper limits are well below the maximum Lx/Lbol detected in earlier surveys. For the O VI stars, the limits, used in conjunction with models for the production of the optical O VI lines, supply information about the excitation conditions in the winds.

Sanders, W. T.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Evidence for Non-radiative Activity in Hot Stars

Indications of non-radiative activity in hot stars were investigated. Data used as evidence of non-radiative activity includes: (1) evidence for high temperature regions, especially regions that are too hot to be explained by shocks that can be initiated and driven by radiative forces; (2) evidence for multi-plume flow. Non-spherically symmetric flow can be diagnosed by the effect it can have on the polarization of the light from a star; and (3) direct evidence for stellar magnetic fields.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Comment on the IRAS infrared spectrum of Zeta Puppis (O4 If)

X-ray and infrared observations of Zeta Puppis (O4 If) are compared with the theoretical calculations of mass loss, coronal shape and radiation characteristics from the models of Waldron (1984), and Lamers et al. (1984). The observations were carried out with the IRAS satellite in the infrared, and with the telescope of the Einstein X-Ray Observatory. It is shown that the model of Lamers et al. was insufficient to explain the X-ray observations. The thin coronal models of Waldron, however, are found to be in good agreement with the IRAS data.

Wolfire, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Properties of R136a as derived from its optical light distribution

Short exposure 4 m prime focus plates taken with interference filters centered on blue continuum 4765 A, He II 4686 line, red continuum 6485 A, and H-alpha line have been used to study the light distribution within R136a. R136a contains a bright component and several fainter components superposed on an extended background. The brightest component, unresolved under sub-arcsec seeing condition, contributes about 37 percent of the total light from a 3 in. diameter aperture. Combining the optical and UV information, it is found that this brightest component R136a1 may be a single star with a mass of approximately 750 solar masses with a brightness of six HD 93129A or 20 O3 V stars, or it could be a cluster of such stars. In either case, R136a1 supplies no more than one-half of the ionization of the 30 Doradus nebula.

Chu, Y.-H.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The winds and coronae of early-type stars

The properties of the winds of hot stars as derived from radio, ultraviolet and X-ray observations is presented. Special focus is given to observations that test line driven wind theory. In this theory the wind properties are determined by the stellar effective temperature and surface gravity, but not parameters that specify the mechanical or wave fluxes from the star. Alternate explanations of the X-ray emission from the early-type stars are discussed. Evidence is given for the presence of coronal zones at the base of the stellar winds.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗