Isotope Anomalies in the Fe-group Elements in Meteorites and Connection to Nucleosynthesis in AGB Stars

Abstract

We study the effects of neutron captures in AGB stars on \oq Fe-group\cqb elements, with an emphasis on Cr, Fe, and Ni. These elements show anomalies in ${}^{54}$Cr, ${}^{58}$Fe, and ${}^{64}$Ni in solar-system materials, which are commonly attributed to SNe. However, as large fractions of the interstellar medium (ISM) were reprocessed in AGB stars, these elements were reprocessed, too. We calculate the effects of such reprocessing on Cr, Fe, and Ni through 1.5\msb and 3\msb AGB models, adopting solar and 1/3 solar metallicities. All cases produce excesses of ${}^{54}$Cr, ${}^{58}$Fe, and ${}^{64}$Ni, while the other isotopes are little altered; hence, the observations may be explained by AGB processing. The results are robust and not dependent on the detailed initial isotopic composition. Consequences for other \oq Fe group\cqb elements are then explored. They include ${}^{50}$Ti excesses, and some production of ${}^{46,47,49}$Ti. In many circumstellar condensates, Ti quantitatively reflects these effects of AGB neutron captures. Scatter in the data results from small variations (granularity) in the isotopic composition of the local ISM. For Si, the main effects are instead due to variations in the local ISM from different SNe sources. The problem of Ca is discussed, particularly with regard to ${}^{48}$Ca. The measured data are usually represented assuming terrestrial values for ${}^{42}$Ca/${}^{44}$Ca. Materials processed in AGB stars or sources with variable initial ${}^{42}$Ca/${}^{44}$Ca ratios can give apparent ${}^{48}$Ca excesses/deficiencies, attributed to SNe. The broader issue of Galactic Chemical Evolution is also discussed in view of the isotopic granularity in the ISM. \end{abstract}

References in corpus (7)

• Pre-Supernova Evolution of Massive Single and Binary Stars
• Short-lived Nuclei in the Early Solar System: Possible AGB Sources
• Aluminum-, Calcium- And Titanium-Rich Oxide Stardust In Ordinary Chondrite Meteorites
• s-Process Nucleosynthesis in Advanced Burning Phases of Massive Stars
• Extreme 54Cr-rich nano-oxides in the CI chondrite Orgueil -Implication for a late supernova injection into the Solar System
• Sensitivity study of explosive nucleosynthesis in Type Ia supernovae: I. Modification of individual thermonuclear reaction rates
• s-Processing in AGB Stars Revisited. I. Does the Main Component Constrain the Neutron Source in the 13C-Pocket?

Cited by in corpus (4)

• On Variations Of Pre-Supernova Model Properties
• Evidence from stable isotopes and Be-10 for solar system formation triggered by a low-mass supernova
• An observational study of dust nucleation in Mira ($o$ Ceti): II. Titanium oxides are negligible for nucleation at high temperatures
• Exploring circumstellar effects on the lithium and calcium abundances in massive Galactic O-rich AGB stars