Work

3D Macro Physics and Light Odd- Z Element Production in O-C Shell Mergers: Implications for 40 K Production and Radiogenic Heating Inventories of Rocky Exoplanets

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The light odd- Z elements P, Cl, K, and Sc are underproduced in galactic chemical evolution models compared to spectroscopic observations of stars in the Milky Way. The most promising solution to this puzzle is that some massive stars experience O-C shell mergers, boosting their yields through dynamic, convective-reactive nucleosynthesis. We report how convective macro physics based on 3D 4 π hydrodynamic simulations impacts production in the O shell by postprocessing the M ZAMS = 15 M ⊙ Z = 0.02 model from the NuGrid dataset. We explore a mixing downturn, boosted velocities, reduced ingestion rate, and convective quenching. Across 24 mixing cases, the pre-explosive yields for [P/Fe], [Cl/Fe], [K/Fe], and [Sc/Fe] are modified by [−0.33, 0.23], [−0.84, 0.64], [−0.78, 1.48], and [−0.36, 1.29] dex, respectively. Cases with a convective downturn with the fastest ingestion rate have the largest enhancement, and production is nonmonotonic with boosted velocities. Which reactions are most important for the convective-reactive element production pathways depends on the mixing case. We parameterize production of 40 K ( t 1/2 = 1.248 Gyr), an important radiogenic heat source for younger (2–3 Gyr) rocky planets, and find a yield variation exceeding 3 orders of magnitude. This range of initial abundances for 40 K implies the early geodynamic behavior of silicate mantles in rocky planets can differ greatly from that of Earth. These results underscore the importance of investigating the 3D macro physics of shell merger convection through hydrodynamic simulations to develop a predictive understanding of the origin and variability of the light odd- Z elements and the 40 K/K ratio in planet host stars.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae2ad1

Authors: Joshua Issa, Falk Herwig, Stephen J. Mojzsis, Marco Pignatari

Institutions: University of Victoria, Konkoly Observatory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, University of Bayreuth

Language: English

Topic: Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499