Theoretical Pulsations of the beta Cephei Variable alpha Virginis

摘要

A convective overshooting at the edge of the turbulently convective core of Beta Cephei variables is suggested, which causes periodic mixing of hydrogen into the otherwise depleted core. The extra pressure at the mixing shell, due to the newly added hydrogen gives periodic pushes on the envelope and the pulsations grow. For the specific model, 2 Virginis is used, having well-known mass, radius and luminosity. The recent stopping of the pulsations of this star may indicate that the proposed overshooting growth of the convective core may be temporarily terminated. (ERA citation 08:003128)