Measuring the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti

We have finally measured the evolutionary rate of cooling of the pulsating hydrogen atmosphere (DA) white dwarf ZZ Ceti (Ross 548), as reflected by the drift rate of the 213.13260694 s period. Using 41 yr of time-series photometry from 1970 November to 2012 January, we determine the rate of change of this period with time to be dP/dt = (5.2 ± 1.4) × 10-15 s s-1 employing the O-C method and (5.45 ± 0.79) × 10-15 s s-1 using a direct nonlinear least squares fit to the entire lightcurve. We adopt the dP/dt obtained from the nonlinear least squares program as our final determination, but augment the corresponding uncertainty to a more realistic value, ultimately arriving at the measurement of dP/dt = (5.5 ± 1.0) × 10-15 s s-1. After correcting for proper motion, the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti is computed to be (3.3 ± 1.1) × 10-15 s s-1. This value is consistent within uncertainties with the measurement of (4.19 ± 0.73) × 10-15 s s-1 for another similar pulsating DA white dwarf, G 117-B15A. Measuring the cooling rate of ZZ Ceti helps us refine our stellar structure and evolutionary models, as cooling depends mainly on the core composition and stellar mass. Calibrating white dwarf cooling curves with this measurement will reduce the theoretical uncertainties involved in white dwarf cosmochronometry. Should the 213.13 s period be trapped in the hydrogen envelope, then our determination of its drift rate compared to the expected evolutionary rate suggests an additional source of stellar cooling. Attributing the excess cooling to the emission of axions imposes a constraint on the mass of the hypothetical axion particle.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Measuring the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti

We have finally measured the evolutionary rate of cooling of the pulsating hydrogen atmosphere (DA) white dwarf ZZ Ceti (Ross 548), as reflected by the drift rate of the 213.13260694 s period. Using 41 yr of time-series photometry from 1970 November to 2012 January, we determine the rate of change of this period with time to be dP/dt = (5.2 ± 1.4) × 10-15 s s-1 employing the O-C method and (5.45 ± 0.79) × 10-15 s s-1 using a direct nonlinear least squares fit to the entire lightcurve. We adopt the dP/dt obtained from the nonlinear least squares program as our final determination, but augment the corresponding uncertainty to a more realistic value, ultimately arriving at the measurement of dP/dt = (5.5 ± 1.0) × 10-15 s s-1. After correcting for proper motion, the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti is computed to be (3.3 ± 1.1) × 10-15 s s-1. This value is consistent within uncertainties with the measurement of (4.19 ± 0.73) × 10-15 s s-1 for another similar pulsating DA white dwarf, G 117-B15A. Measuring the cooling rate of ZZ Ceti helps us refine our stellar structure and evolutionary models, as cooling depends mainly on the core composition and stellar mass. Calibrating white dwarf cooling curves with this measurement will reduce the theoretical uncertainties involved in white dwarf cosmochronometry. Should the 213.13 s period be trapped in the hydrogen envelope, then our determination of its drift rate compared to the expected evolutionary rate suggests an additional source of stellar cooling. Attributing the excess cooling to the emission of axions imposes a constraint on the mass of the hypothetical axion particle.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Obtención de biocombustible a través de co-pirólisis rápida de biomasa de eucalipto y palma

En la búsqueda de alternativas energéticas sustentables y menos contaminantes, el uso de la biomasa lignocelulósica ha cobrado gran importancia, ya que no sólo es renovable, sino que se encuentra en grandes cantidades; el uso de eucalipto – palma en la obtención de biocombustibles se lleva a cabo a través de co-pirólisis de en relación másica 50:50, contemplando temperatura y tiempo de contacto como variables de importancia en el proceso de transformación termoquímica. Los resultados obtenidos han permitido establecer el potencial energético que representa emplear dichas biomasas como materia prima renovable y más amigable con el medio ambiente.Universidad Libre - Facultad de Ingeniería - Ingeniería Ambienta

Aplicación del artículo 9 del reglamento del registro nacional de grados y títulos-sunedu y la Ley n°30220 con respecto a la educación a distancia y su repercución en la contratacion de egresados de la modalidad a distancia

La tesis en relación a la “aplicación del artículo 9 del reglamento del registro nacional de grados y títulos-SUNEDU y la ley N°30220 con respecto a la educación a distancia y su repercusión en la contratación de Egresados de la modalidad a distancia”, es el resultado de la intensa problemática en la que se ven envueltos diferentes egresados de esta modalidad de formación académica. En ese sentido, se buscó con la investigación identificar las causas que originan la problemática para poder así desarrollar mecanismos legales que permian garantizar los derechos el derecho a ser contratado bajo el principio de igualdad de condicionesTesi

New full evolutionary sequences of H- and He-atmosphere massive white dwarf stars using MESA

We explore the evolution of hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-deficient white dwarf stars with masses between 1.012 and 1.307M , and initial metallicity of Z = 0.02. These sequences are the result ofmain-sequence stars with masses between 8.8 and 11.8M . The simulations were performed with MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics), starting at the zeroage main sequence, through thermally pulsing and mass-loss phases, ending at the white dwarf cooling sequence. We present reliable chemical profiles for the whole mass range considered, covering the different expected central compositions (i.e. C/O, O/Ne and Ne/O/Mg) and its dependence on the stellar mass. In addition, we present detailed chemical profiles of hybrid C/O–O/Ne corewhite dwarfs, found in themass range between 1.024 and 1.15M .We present the initial-to-final mass relation, the mass–radius relation and cooling times considering the effects of atmosphere and core composition

Asteroseismology of ZZ Ceti stars with fully evolutionary white dwarf models, I: The impact of tthe uncertainties from prior evolution on the period spectrum

Context. ZZ Ceti stars are pulsating white dwarfs with a carbon-oxygen core build up during the core helium burning and thermally pulsing Asymptotic Giant Branch phases. Through the interpretation of their pulsation periods by means of asteroseismology, details about their origin and evolution can be inferred. The whole pulsation spectrum exhibited by ZZ Ceti stars strongly depends on the inner chemical structure. At present, there are several processes affecting the chemical profiles that are still not accurately determined.Aims. We present a study of the impact of the current uncertainties of the white dwarf formation and evolution on the expected pulsation properties of ZZ Ceti stars.Methods. Our analysis is based on a set of carbon-oxygen core white dwarf models with masses 0.548 and 0.837 M⊙ that are derived from full evolutionary computations from the ZAMS to the ZZ Ceti domain. We considered models in which we varied the number of thermal pulses, the amount of overshooting, and the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction rate within their uncertainties.Results. We explore the impact of these major uncertainties in prior evolution on the chemical structure and expected pulsation spectrum. We find that these uncertainties yield significant changes in the g-mode pulsation periods.Conclusions. We conclude that the uncertainties in the white dwarf progenitor evolution should be taken into account in detailed asteroseismological analyses of these pulsating stars.Fil: de Gerónimo, Francisco César. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Althaus, Leandro Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Corsico, Alejandro Hugo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Romero, Alejandra Daniela. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Souza Oliveira, Kepler. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasi

Measuring the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti

We have finally measured the evolutionary rate of cooling of the pulsating hydrogen atmosphere (DA) white dwarf ZZ Ceti (Ross 548), as reflected by the drift rate of the 213.13260694 s period. Using 41 yr of time-series photometry from 1970 November to 2012 January, we determine the rate of change of this period with time to be dP/dt = (5.2 ± 1.4) × 10-15 s s-1 employing the O-C method and (5.45 ± 0.79) × 10-15 s s-1 using a direct nonlinear least squares fit to the entire lightcurve. We adopt the dP/dt obtained from the nonlinear least squares program as our final determination, but augment the corresponding uncertainty to a more realistic value, ultimately arriving at the measurement of dP/dt = (5.5 ± 1.0) × 10-15 s s-1. After correcting for proper motion, the evolutionary rate of cooling of ZZ Ceti is computed to be (3.3 ± 1.1) × 10-15 s s-1. This value is consistent within uncertainties with the measurement of (4.19 ± 0.73) × 10-15 s s-1 for another similar pulsating DA white dwarf, G 117-B15A. Measuring the cooling rate of ZZ Ceti helps us refine our stellar structure and evolutionary models, as cooling depends mainly on the core composition and stellar mass. Calibrating white dwarf cooling curves with this measurement will reduce the theoretical uncertainties involved in white dwarf cosmochronometry. Should the 213.13 s period be trapped in the hydrogen envelope, then our determination of its drift rate compared to the expected evolutionary rate suggests an additional source of stellar cooling. Attributing the excess cooling to the emission of axions imposes a constraint on the mass of the hypothetical axion particle.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Uncovering the chemical structure of the pulsating low-mass white dwarf SDSS J115219.99+024814.4

Pulsating low-mass white dwarf (WD) stars are WDs with stellar masses between 0.30 and 0.45 M⊙ that show photometric variability due to gravity-mode pulsations. Within this mass range, they can harbour both a helium core and hybrid core, depending if the progenitor experienced helium-core burning during the pre-WD evolution. SDSS J115219.99+024814.4 is an eclipsing binary system where both components are low-mass WDs, with stellar masses of 0.362 ± 0.014 M⊙ and 0.325 ± 0.013 M⊙. In particular, the less-massive component is a pulsating star, showing at least three pulsation periods of ∼1314, ∼1069, and ∼582.9 s. This opens the way to use asteroseismology as a tool to uncover its inner chemical structure, in combination with the information obtained using the light-curve modelling of the eclipses. To this end, using binary evolutionary models leading to helium- and hybrid-core WDs, we compute adiabatic pulsations for ℓ = 1 and ℓ = 2 gravity modes with Gyre. We found that the pulsating component of the SDSS J115219.99+024814.4 system must have a hydrogen envelope thinner than the value obtained from binary evolution computations, independently of the inner composition. Finally, from our asteroseismological study, we find a best-fitting model characterized by Teff=10917 K, M = 0.338 M⊙, and MH = 10−6 M⊙ with the inner composition of a hybrid WD

Hot C-rich white dwarfs: Testing the DB-DQ transition through pulsations

Context. Hot DQ white dwarfs are a new class of white dwarf stars that were discovered recently within the framework of the SDSS project. There are nine known hot DQ stars, out of a total of several thousands white dwarfs spectroscopically identified. Three hot DQ white dwarfs have been reported to exhibit photometric variability with periods compatible with pulsation g-modes. Aims. We present a nonadiabatic pulsation analysis of carbon-rich hot DQ white dwarf stars. One of our main aims is to test the convective-mixing scenario for the origin of hot DQs by studying their pulsational properties. Methods. Our pulsation study is based on the full evolutionary models of hot DQ white dwarfs developed by Althaus and collaborators, which consistently cover the entire evolution from the born-again stage to the white dwarf cooling track. Specifically, we present a stability analysis of white dwarf models from stages before the blue edge of the DBV instability strip (Teff ≈ 30 000 K), until the domain of the hot DQ white dwarfs (18 000-24 000 K), including the transition DBhot DQ white dwarf. We explore evolutionary models with M* = 0.585 M⊙ and M* = 0.87 M⊙, and two values of the thickness of the He-rich envelope (MHe = 2x10-7 M* and = 10-8 M*). These envelopes are 4–5 orders of magnitude thinner than those of standard DB white dwarf models resulting from canonical stellar evolution computations. Results. We found that at evolutionary phases in which the models are characterized by He-dominated atmospheres, they exhibit unstable g-mode pulsations typical of DBV stars, and when the models become DQ white dwarfs with carbon-dominated atmospheres, they continue being pulsationally unstable with characteristics similar to DB models, and in agreement with the periods detected in variable hot DQ white dwarfs. In particular, for models with MHe = 10-8 M*, a narrow gap exists separating the DB from the DQ instability domains. Conclusions. Our calculations provide strong support for the convective-mixing picture of the formation of hot DQs. In particular, our results suggest the existence of pulsating DB white dwarfs with very thin He-rich envelopes, which after passing the DBV instability strip become variable hot DQ stars. The existence of these DB stars with very thin envelopes should be investigated by asteroseismology.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Hot C-rich white dwarfs: Testing the DB-DQ transition through pulsations

Context. Hot DQ white dwarfs are a new class of white dwarf stars that were discovered recently within the framework of the SDSS project. There are nine known hot DQ stars, out of a total of several thousands white dwarfs spectroscopically identified. Three hot DQ white dwarfs have been reported to exhibit photometric variability with periods compatible with pulsation g-modes. Aims. We present a nonadiabatic pulsation analysis of carbon-rich hot DQ white dwarf stars. One of our main aims is to test the convective-mixing scenario for the origin of hot DQs by studying their pulsational properties. Methods. Our pulsation study is based on the full evolutionary models of hot DQ white dwarfs developed by Althaus and collaborators, which consistently cover the entire evolution from the born-again stage to the white dwarf cooling track. Specifically, we present a stability analysis of white dwarf models from stages before the blue edge of the DBV instability strip (Teff ≈ 30 000 K), until the domain of the hot DQ white dwarfs (18 000-24 000 K), including the transition DBhot DQ white dwarf. We explore evolutionary models with M* = 0.585 M⊙ and M* = 0.87 M⊙, and two values of the thickness of the He-rich envelope (MHe = 2x10-7 M* and = 10-8 M*). These envelopes are 4–5 orders of magnitude thinner than those of standard DB white dwarf models resulting from canonical stellar evolution computations. Results. We found that at evolutionary phases in which the models are characterized by He-dominated atmospheres, they exhibit unstable g-mode pulsations typical of DBV stars, and when the models become DQ white dwarfs with carbon-dominated atmospheres, they continue being pulsationally unstable with characteristics similar to DB models, and in agreement with the periods detected in variable hot DQ white dwarfs. In particular, for models with MHe = 10-8 M*, a narrow gap exists separating the DB from the DQ instability domains. Conclusions. Our calculations provide strong support for the convective-mixing picture of the formation of hot DQs. In particular, our results suggest the existence of pulsating DB white dwarfs with very thin He-rich envelopes, which after passing the DBV instability strip become variable hot DQ stars. The existence of these DB stars with very thin envelopes should be investigated by asteroseismology.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat