On the Thermal Properties of the Convective URCA Process

Bruenn's analysis of heating due to Urca processes during degenerate carbon burning is supplemented by consideration of the additional work necessary to maintain the convective flow. We conclude that at least initially Urca processes (especially the 23Na-23Ne pair) do stabilize degenerate carbon burning; the net effect of the convective Urca processes is cooling. Subject headings: nucleosynthesis - stellar evolution - supernovae