Astron. Astrophys. 363, 647-656 (2000)

Revision of the initial-to-final mass relation

V. Weidemann

Universität Kiel, Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik, 24098 Kiel, Germany (weidemann@astrophysik.uni-kiel.de)

Received 6 June 2000 / Accepted 14 September 2000

Abstract

The initial-to final mass relation is revised in view of new theoretical and observational data. Recent stellar evolution models predict core masses at the beginning of the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch which practically coincide with final white dwarf masses derived for NGC 3532 and the binary white dwarf PG 0922+162. The Hyades white dwarfs must be relocated at higher initial masses since Hipparcos data lead to a reduced cluster age, and move also closer to the first TP relation. Comparison with theoretically predicted initial to final mass relations support the new evolutionary models with exponential diffusive overshoot which undergo core mass reduction by a strong third dredge-up. The upper mass limit for C/O white dwarf production is smaller than hitherto assumed, around 6.5 with white dwarf masses below 1 . More massive white dwarfs must have Ne/O cores after off-center carbon burning or are due to mergers or rotational lifting. Differential mass loss seems to be small thus justifying the use of an universal relation for calculations of stellar and galactic evolution. It differs from the widely used 1987 relation and is steeper especially in the mass range from 3 to 4 .

Key words: stars: evolution stars: AGB and post-AGB stars: mass-loss stars: white dwarfs

Send offprint requests to: V. Weidemann

SIMBAD Objects

Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theoretical evolution models and predicted / relations
• 3. New data on the semiempirical initial-final mass relation
  • 3.1. The Hyades
  • 3.2. NGC 3532
  • 3.3. NGC 2516
  • 3.4. M67
  • 3.5. Pleiades
  • 3.6. PG 0922+162
• 4. Comparison of relations. End of the AGB
• 5. Upper mass limit for white dwarf production
• 6. Differential mass loss
• 7. Conclusions
• Acknowledgements
• References

© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 2000

Online publication: December 11, 2000
helpdesk.link@springer.de