Solar calibration of $\alpha_{\rm MLT}$ using {\AE}SOPUS opacities in MESA

Abstract

The simplistic but ubiquitous Mixing Length Theory (MLT) formalism is used to model convective energy transport within 1D stellar evolution calculations. The formalism relies on the free parameter $\alpha_{\rm MLT}$, which must be independently calibrated within each stellar evolution program and for any given set of physical assumptions. We present a solar calibration of $\alpha_{\text{MLT}}$ appropriate for use with the AESOPUS opacities, which have recently been made available for use with the MESA stellar evolution software. We report a calibrated value of $\alpha_{\rm MLT}=1.931$ and demonstrate the impact of using an appropriately calibrated value in simulations of a $3 M_{\odot}$ asymptotic giant branch star.