The thesis deals with the advanced evolution of low- and intermediate-mass stars
(Mi < 8 Msun), with particular focus on the TP-AGB phase, when thermal
pulses periodically take place in the interiors while strong stellar winds
progressively erode the external mantle. This study, based on the MESA stellar
evolution code, aims to investigate the effects of the third dredge up on the
surface properties, i.e. chemical composition, effective temperature, and
opacity. Different overshooting schemes and mass loss prescriptions were
explored.
At the same time, I tested the performance and characteristics of the code,
a preliminary but necessary step for possible future developments of the
research
