Abstract
We derive a formal condition for an existence of a critical point in optically thick flows. Using recent synthetic quantitative spectroscopy results and recent OPAL opacities we find that Wolf-Rayet stars (of the WRC type and part of the WRN type) satisfy this condition, and we account for the observed mass-loss rates and inferred critical temperatures. We also show that there is no obvious momentum problem well below the photosphere. A less quantitative discussion is given for critical points with low to moderate optical depth, where non-LTE effects are conjectured to be crucial.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 404-409 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 454 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 20 Nov 1995 |
Keywords
- Radiative transfer
- Stars: Wolf-Rayet
- Stars: atmospheres
- Stars: mass loss
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science