Two-dimensional models of early-type fast rotating stars: new challenges in stellar physics

Abstract

Two-dimensional models of rapidly rotating stars are already unavoidable for the interpretation of interferometric or asteroseismic data of this kind of stars. When combined with time evolution, they will allow the including of a more accurate physics for the computation of element transport and the determination of surface abundances. In addition, modeling the evolution of rotation will improve gyrochronology. Presently, two-dimensional ESTER models predict the structure and the large-scale flows (differential rotation and meridional circulation) of stars with mass larger than 1.7Msun at any rotation rate. Main sequence evolution can be mimicked by varying the hydrogen content of the convective core. Models have been successfully tested on half a dozen of nearby fast rotating stars observed with optical or infra-red interferometers. They are now the right tool to investigate the oscillation spectrum of early-type fast rotators.