R-process nucleosynthesis calculations with complete nuclear physics input

I. Petermann, A. Arcones, A. Kelić, K. Langanke, G. Martínez-Pinedo, K. H. Schmidt, W. R. Hix, I. Panov, T. Rauscher, F. K. Thielemann, N. Zinner

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The r-process constitutes one of the major challenges in nuclear astrophysics. Its astrophysical site has not yet been identified but there is observational evidence suggesting that at least two possible sites should contribute to the solar system abundance of r-process elements and that the r-process responsible for the production of elements heavier than Z = 56 operates quite robustly producing always the same relative abundances. From the nuclear-physics point of view the r-process requires the knowledge of a large number of reaction rates involving exotic nuclei. These include neutron capture rates, beta-decays and fission rates, the latter for the heavier nuclei produced in the r-process. We have developed for the first time a complete database of reaction rates that in addition to neutron-capture rates and beta-decay half-lives includes all possible reactions that can induce fission (neutron-capture, beta-decay and spontaneous fission) and the corresponding fission yields. In addition, we have implemented these reaction rates in a fully implicit reaction network. We have performed r-process calculations for the neutrino-driven wind scenario to explore whether or not fission can contribute to provide a robust r-process pattern.

Original languageEnglish
JournalProceedings of Science
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event10th Symposium on Nuclei in the Cosmos, NIC 2008 - Mackinac Island, MI, United States
Duration: 27 Jul 20081 Aug 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'R-process nucleosynthesis calculations with complete nuclear physics input'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this