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The Metallicity Dependence of the Mass Loss of Early-Type Massive Stars
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 December 2007
Abstract
We report on a comprehensive study of the wind properties of 115 O- and early B-type stars in the Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Clouds. This work is part of the VLT/FLAMES Survey of Massive Stars. The data is used to construct the empirical dependence of the mass-loss in stellar winds on the metal content of their atmospheres. The metal content of early-type stars in the Magellanic Clouds is discussed. Assuming a power-law dependence of mass loss on metal content, Ṁ ∝ Zm, we find m = 0.83 ± 0.16 from an analysis of the wind momentum luminosity relation (Mokiem et al. 2007b). This result is in good agreement with the prediction m = 0.69 ± 0.10 by Vink et al. (2001). Though the scaling agrees, the absolute empirical value of mass loss is found to be a factor of two higher than predictions. This may be explained by a modest amount of clumping in the outflows of the objects studied.
- Type
- Contributed Papers
- Information
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 3 , Symposium S250: Massive Stars as Cosmic Engines , December 2007 , pp. 39 - 46
- Copyright
- Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2008