Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA): Pulsating Variable Stars, Rotation, Convective Boundaries, and Energy Conservation

Abstract We update the capabilities of the open-knowledge software instrument Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics ( MESA ). RSP is a new functionality in MESAstar that models the nonlinear radial stellar pulsations that characterize RR Lyrae, Cepheids, and other classes of variable stars. We significantly enhance numerical energy conservation capabilities, including during mass changes. For example, this enables calculations through the He flash that conserve energy to better than 0.001%. To improve the modeling of rotating stars in MESA , we introduce a new approach to modifying the pressure and temperature equations of stellar structure, as well as a formulation of the projection effects of…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1716436, AST-1716436, 1650114
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Awards: NNG16PJ26C, HST-HF2-51382.001-A
• SF
  Simons Foundation
• GA
  Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

  Awards: GBMF5076, GBMF7392
• NU
  Northwestern University
• CI
  Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
• HF
  Heising-Simons Foundation

  Award: 2017-274
• IS
  Indo-US Science and Technology Forum
• FD
  Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Award: 614.001.501
• AD
  Astrophysics Division