Introduction to Stellar Winds

The first comprehensive introduction to the observations and theories of stellar winds; a long-awaited graduate textbook, written by two founders of the field.

Henny J. G. L. M. Lamers (Author), Joseph P. Cassinelli (Author)

9780521595650, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 June 1999

456 pages, 114 b/w illus. 14 tables 71 exercises
24.3 x 16.9 x 2.2 cm, 0.72 kg

'Stellar winds are ubiquitous, but their properties and mechanisms span an enormous range. This badly needed book by two well known researchers brings together theory and observation to provide an excellent, integrated treatment of a fascinating subject.' Hollis R. Johnson, Indiana University

This long-awaited graduate textbook, written by two pioneers of the field, is the first to provide a comprehensive introduction to the observations, theories and consequences of stellar winds. The rates of mass loss and the wind velocities are explained from basic physical principles. This book also includes chapters clearly explaining the formation and evolution of interstellar bubbles, and the effects of mass loss on the evolution of high- and low-mass stars. Each topic is introduced simply to explain the basic processes and then developed to provide a solid foundation for understanding current research. This authoritative textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers seeking an understanding of stellar winds and, more generally, supersonic flows from astrophysical objects. It is based on courses taught in Europe and the US over the past twenty years and includes seventy problems (with answers) for coursework or self-study.

Preface
1. Historical overview
2. Observations of stellar winds
3. Basic concepts: isothermal winds
4. Basic concepts: non-isothermal winds
5. Coronal winds
6. Sound wave driven winds
7. Dust driven winds
8. Line driven winds
9. Magnetic rotator theory
10. Alfvén wave driven winds
11. Outflowing disks from rotating stars
12. Winds colliding with the interstellar medium
13. The effects of mass loss on stellar evolution
14. Problems
Appendices
Bibliography
Object index
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]