Synthetic AGB Evolution

Abstract

A model is developed for calculating in a synthetic way the evolution of stars on the asymptotic giant branch, which is more realistic than previously developed synthetic evolution models in that it includes more physics. The new model takes into account the variation of the luminosity during the interpulse period as well as the fact that, initially, the first few pulses are not yet at full amplitude and that the luminosity is lower than given by the standard core-mass-luminosity relations. The model also takes into account the effects of the first, second, and third dredge-up and the effect of hot bottom burning. The model is applied to the LMC, using a recent determination of the age-metallicity and star formation rate for the LMS.