New massive close binary models and the26Al yield of the WR component of γ VEL

Abstract

We present new models of massive close binary evolution, using an up-to-date hydrodynamic binary code which includes time dependent mixing of chemical species in the stellar interior, and nuclear reaction networks for the CNO cycles as well as for the NeNa and MgAl cycles. Some of our models, tailored to fit γ Vel, provide for the first time detailed results for the production and ejection of26A1 into the interstellar medium by WR binaries. From our results one can estimate the contribution of WR stars to the amount of26Al presently seen in the Milky Way by γ-ray satellites.