Mass Loss Rates of Li-rich AGB/RGB Stars

TL;DR

This study estimates mass loss rates of Li-rich AGB/RGB stars using a correlation between lithium abundance and luminosity, finding that Li-rich stars generally have lower mass loss rates than other similar stars.

Contribution

It introduces a method to estimate mass loss rates in Li-rich AGB/RGB stars based on a modified Reimers formula and empirical calibration, highlighting the relationship between lithium enrichment and mass loss.

Findings

Li-rich stars have lower mass loss rates than Li-normal stars.

Li enrichment is not associated with increased mass loss.

A new correlation method for mass loss estimation in Li-rich stars.

Abstract

A sample of AGB/RGB stars with an excess of Li abundances is considered in order to estimate their mass loss rates. Our method is based on a correlation between the Li abundances and the stellar luminosity, using a modified version of Reimers formula. We have adopted a calibration on the basis of an empirical correlation between the mass loss rate and some stellar parameters. We conclude that most Li-rich stars have lower mass loss rates compared with the majority of AGB/RGB stars, which show no evidences of Li enhancements, so that the Li enrichment process is apparently not associated with an increased mass loss rate.