Presupernova collapse models with improved weak-interaction rates.
Improved values for stellar weak-interaction rates have been recently calculated based upon a large shell-model diagonalization. Using these new rates (for both beta decay and electron capture), we have examined the presupernova evolution of massive stars in the range (15--40)M(o). Comparing our new models with a standard set of presupernova models by Woosley and Weaver, we find significantly larger values for the electron-to-baryon ratio at the onset of collapse and smaller iron core masses. These changes may have important consequences for nucleosynthesis and the supernova explosion mechanism.
Heger
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UCO/Lick Observatory, University of California, Santa Cruz, 95064, USA.
Langanke
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K
Martínez-Pinedo
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Woosley
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SE