Determining element abundances of [WC]-type Central Stars for probing stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis

TL;DR

This study uses advanced spectral modeling to determine the chemical compositions of [WC]-type CSPNs, providing insights into their evolution and nucleosynthesis processes.

Contribution

It introduces improved non-LTE atmosphere models with iron-line blanketing to analyze [WC]-type CSPNs, focusing on trace element abundances.

Findings

Accurate chemical compositions of [WC]-type CSPNs obtained.

Trace elements like nitrogen identified as key for evolution.

Models show the importance of iron-line blanketing in spectral analysis.

Abstract

[WC]-type CSPNs are hydrogen-deficient Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae showing strong stellar winds and a carbon-rich chemistry. We have analyzed new high-resolution spectra of [WC]-type CSPNs with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) non-LTE expanding atmosphere models, using upgraded model atoms and atomic data. Previous analyses are repeated on the basis of the current models which account for iron-line blanketing. We especially focus on determining the chemical composition, including some trace elements like nitrogen which are of key importance for understanding the evolutionary origin of the hydrogen-deficient Central Stars.