Mass Loss Rates of Li-rich AGB/RGB 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.