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 |
|---|---|
| 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