Two Subclasses of Proto-Planetary Nebulae: Model Calculations

Abstract

We use detailed radiative transfer models to investigate the differences between the Star-Obvious Low-level-Elongated proto-planetary nebulae (SOLE PPNs) and DUst-Prominent Longitudinally-EXtended proto-planetary nebulae (DUPLEX PPNs) which are two subclasses of PPNs suggested by Ueta, Meixner, & Bobrowsky (2000). We select one SOLE PPN, HD 161796, and one DUPLEX PPN, IRAS 17150$-$3224, both of which are well studied and representative of their PPN classes. Using an axisymmetric dust shell radiative transfer code, we model these two sources in detail and constrain their mass-loss histories, inclination angles and dust composition. The physical parameters derived for HD 161796 and IRAS 17150$-$3224 demonstrate that they are physically quite different and that their observed differences cannot be attributed to inclination angle effects. If these calculations reflect a more general truth about SOLE vs. DUPLEX PPNs, then these two subclasses of PPNs are physically distinct with the SOLE PPNs derived from low mass progenitors and DUPLEX PPNs derived from high mass progenitors.