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Helium plasma: Pycnonuclear triple alpha reaction rates in stars

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Abstract

The plots of dimensionless parameters, for helium plasma are given, as they are of great importance for the study of physical conditions prevalent in stellar interiors consuming helium. The relevant temperature and density leading to weak and strong screening can be obtained from the plots to compute the effect of screening to enhance the thermonuclear reaction rates. To make a realistic approach, the pycnonuclear triple alpha reaction rates are found for the 7.66 (O+) MeV level for pair creation. The equation used here is suitable for white dwarfs satisfying 0<3Γ/τ≪1. The rates are enhanced approximately 1042 times, which indicates that the mean life will be reduced by the same factor. The extent of the pycnonuclear regime is shown in diagram.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. B. N. College, Dhubri, Assam, India

    A. E. MD. Khairozzaman

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  1. A. E. MD. Khairozzaman
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Khairozzaman, A.E.M. Helium plasma: Pycnonuclear triple alpha reaction rates in stars. Astrophys Space Sci 108, 221–226 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01068254

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01068254

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