Empirical-theoretical approach by contrast to summary of speculative-theoretical modeling by Hearn
Abstract
The mechanisms of solar and stellar winds are investigated using an empirical-theoretical approach which is contrasted to the more purely theoretical closed-system thermodynamic approach of Parker (1958), as summarized by Hearn (1982). The need to use observational data on such objects as Wolf-Rayet stars and Be stars to determine the equations and boundary conditions of stellar-atmosphere models is stressed. The thermodynamically quasi-linear mass and momentum equations of Cannon and Thomas (1975, 1977) are presented and characterized, the inadequacy of the velocity fields of radiative-acceleration theory is argued, and some observational data are summarized to illustrate the point. A current empirical model involving a standard photosphere with T(eff) and g specified, and exophotosphere with monotonically increasing mass flux and nonthermal velocity, and local environments with nongravitational deceleration is briefly described.
- Publication:
-
Nonlinear, Nonthermal Systems in Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983obvf.proc..218T
- Keywords:
-
- Solar Wind;
- Stellar Atmospheres;
- Stellar Winds;
- Thermodynamic Properties;
- Velocity Distribution;
- Acceleration (Physics);
- Astronomical Models;
- B Stars;
- Photosphere;
- Radiation Distribution;
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- Thermodynamics;
- Wolf-Rayet Stars;
- Astrophysics