Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-1976
Publication Title
Astrophysical Journal Supplement
Publisher
The American Astronomical Society
Abstract
The theory of S-process heavy-element formation is reformulated to allow for competition between beta decay and neutron capture at various nuclei along the path. Solutions to the resulting branching network equations are presented (under the assumption of constant temperature and neutron flux) that do not require steady flow for the neutron current. Using the exponential exposure distribution rho (tau) =G exp(-tau/tau0) and recently calculated temperature-dependent beta-decay rates, comparison of several key branches yields the following average conditions for the solar-system S-process environment: Tapprox. =3.1 x 108 K, n/subn/approx. =1.6 x 107 neutrons cm-3. For tau0=0.25 n mb-1 we find that about 4.8 neutron captures per exposed iron seed are required over a time of the order of a few thousand years for synthesis of the bulk of the solarsystem S-process material, with an average neutron capture time approx.10 years (for sigmaapprox.500 mb).
Recommended Citation
Please use publisher's recommended citation.