Lecture: Stellar structures, evolution, and explosions

Winter semester 2016/2017

Prof. Dr. F. Röpke, L. Horst, Dr. P. Edelmann, Dr. S. Jones, Dr. S. Ohlmann

Lecture: Tuesday, 14 – 16 h

Homework session: Tuesday, 16 – 18 h

The homework problems have to be uploaded. Click here to find the lecture on the E-learning system.

Stars are the building blocks of the Universe. This lecture covers their structures, evolution, and explosions from a theoretical point of view.

Brief overview of observational results
Theoretical modeling approaches
- fluid mechanics and mechanical equilibrium of stars
- simple stellar models
- energetic equilibrium of stars
Physical properties of stellar matter
- stellar thermodynamics
- equation of state
- opacities
Nuclear processes in stars
- energy production and reactions
- thermonuclear reaction rates
- main nuclear burning cycles
- neutrino emission
Energy transport in stellar interiors
- radiation, diffusion, conduction
- convection
Stellar evolution models
- basic equations
- stellar stability
- homology relations
- schematic stellar evolution
Early stages of stellar evolution and main sequence phase
- pre-main sequence
- zero-age main sequence
- central hydrogen burning
Post-main sequence evolution
- Schoenberg-Chandrasekhar limit
- hydrogen-shell burning
- helium burning
- pulsational instability
Late evolution of low- and intermediate mass stars
- the asymptotic giant branch
- white dwarfs
Massive stars
- stellar winds
- advanced burning stages
- pre-supernova evolution
Stellar explosions
- supernovae
- stellar remnants