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Title: Limits on Mode Coherence Due to a Non-static Convection Zone
The standard theory of pulsations deals with the frequencies and growth rates of infinitesimal perturbations in a stellar model. Modes which are calculated to be linearly driven should increase their amplitudes exponentially with time; the fact that nearly constant amplitudes are usually observed is evidence that nonlinear mechanisms inhibit the growth of finite amplitude pulsations. Models predict that the mass of DAV convection zones is very sensitive to temperature (i.e., MCZ∝T−90eff) leading to the possibility that even "small amplitude" pulsators may experience significant nonlinear effects. In particular, the outer turning point of finite-amplitude g-mode pulsations can vary with the local surface temperature, producing a reflected wave that is slightly out of phase with that required for a standing wave. This can lead to a lack of coherence of the mode and a reduction in its global amplitude. We compute the size of this effect for specific examples and discuss the results in the context of Kepler and K2 observations.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1707419
PAR ID:
10111448
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
21st European Workshop on White Dwarfs
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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