Nonlinearity of nonradial modes in evolved stars

Abstract

We show that in evolved stars, even at relatively low surface amplitudes, nonradial modes become strongly nonlinear in the hydrogen shell source, where the Brunt-Vaisala frequency has its absolute maximum. The measure of nonlinearity is the product of horizontal displacement times the radial wavenumber. It becomes large already in evolved delta-Scuti stars. This nonlinearity presents a major problem for interpretations of amplitude modulation in RR Lyrae stars in terms of nonradial mode excitation.