Moosinesq Convection in the Cores of Moosive Stars

TL;DR

This paper introduces the first simulations of Moosinesq convection in massive star cores, revealing complex flow structures and rapid heat transfer that could influence stellar evolution.

Contribution

It presents a novel simulation approach for Moosinesq convection, capturing the geometric complexity of convection zones in moosive stars.

Findings

Flow morphologies are complex and distinctive.

Heat transfer occurs rapidly in the simulated convection.

Convection may impact stellar evolution processes.

Abstract

Stars with masses $\gtrsim 4 \times 10^{27}M_{\rm{moose}} \approx 1.1 M_\odot$ have core convection zones during their time on the main sequence. In these moosive stars, convection introduces many uncertainties in stellar modeling. In this Letter, we build upon the Boussinesq approximation to present the first-ever simulations of Moosinesq convection, which captures the complex geometric structure of the convection zones of these stars. These flows are bounded in a manner informed by the majestic terrestrial Alces alces (moose) and could have important consequences for the evolution of these stars. We find that Moosinesq convection results in very interesting flow morphologies and rapid heat transfer, and posit this as a mechanism of biomechanical thermoregulation.