Convective Core Overshoot & Mass Loss in Classical Cepheids: A Solution to the Mass Discrepancy?

TL;DR

This paper investigates how mass loss and convective core overshoot influence Classical Cepheid evolution, proposing that their combined effect can resolve the longstanding Cepheid mass discrepancy.

Contribution

It introduces a model combining mass loss and convective core overshoot, offering a potential solution to the Cepheid mass discrepancy problem.

Findings

Mass loss alone cannot explain the mass discrepancy.

Combining mass loss with moderate core overshoot resolves the discrepancy.

Core overshoot in Cepheids aligns with that in other stars.

Abstract

We explore the role of mass loss and convective core overshoot in the evolution of Classical Cepheids. Stellar evolution models are computed with a recipe for pulsation-driven mass loss and it is found that mass loss alone is unable to account for the long-standing Cepheid mass discrepancy. However, the combination of mass loss and moderate convective core overshooting does provide a solution, bringing the amount of convective core overshooting in Cepheids closer to that found for other stars.