Circumstellar dynamics and transfer

Abstract

This paper is both a review and a presentation of new models.

Observation and modelization of circumstellar envelopes of early type or late type stars are now quickly evolving because of new techniques and facilities for observations, and increased power of computers.

More and more complex physical phenomena involved in mass driving can now be modelized, at many different size scales. While most of models were previously based on informations derived from spectrophotometric data only or on measurements concerning objects observed with no spatial resolution, observations at much increased angular resolution can provide constraints on models of these phenomena.

Theory and modelization must take this new situation into account. Two approaches are possible and effectively used. On the one hand, dynamical/physical self consistent models can be built; on the other hand, elaborate semi-empirical models including complicated distributions of matter with asymmetries (3D models) can be built and fitted for direct comparison with results of High Angular Resolution Measurements.

Adding such constraints to classical constraints leads to a new insight in the physics of circumstellar matter and, through it, of stellar and interstellar evolution.

Two examples have been chosen, in which new models are presented and assuming or not spherical symmetry is carefully discussed:

• •Circumstellar matter around evolved stars

• •Shock waves propagating in the circumstellar matter around evolved stars.