Mass-loss induced instabilities in fast rotating stars

Abstract

To explain the origin of Herbig Ae/Be stars activity, it has been recently proposed that strong mass-losses trigger rotational instabilities in the envelope of fast rotating stars. The kinetic energy transferred to turbulent motions would then be the energy source of the active phenomena observed in the outer atmosphere of Herbig Ae/Be stars (Vigneron et al. 1990; Lignieres et al. 1996). In this paper, we present a one-dimensional model of angular momentum transport which allows to estimate the degree of differential rotation induced by mass-loss. Gradients of angular velocity are very close to - 2 Ω/ R (Ωbeing the surface rotation rate and R the stellar radius). For strong mass-loss, this process occurs in a short time scale as compared to other processes of angular momentum transport. Application of existing stability criteria indicates that rotational instabilities should develop for fast rotating star. Thus, in fast rotating stars with strong winds, shear instabilities are expected to develop and to generate subphotospheric turbulent motions. Albeit very simple, this model gives strong support to the assumption made by Vigneron et al. 1990 and Lignieres et al. 1996.